Digital Battlespace

Sagem modernizes the navigation systems on France nuclear attack submarines

10th November 2009 - 00:00 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

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French naval shipyards DCNS* has placed an order with Sagem (Safran group), on behalf of the French navy, for a new series of Sigma 40XP inertial navigation that will be used to modernize France’s SNA class nuclear attack submarines.

The French navy’s decision was largely based on the performance of the Sigma 40XP, demonstrated during operational trials at sea, and during long operational patrols by the Saphir nuclear attack submarine, which is fitted with one of these navigation systems.#

Two inertial navigation units will be integrated in each submarine’s combat system. The Sigma 40XP calls on Sagem’s state-of-the-art technologies, including very-highperformance laser gyros and advanced digital filtering techniques. The Sigma 40XP is designed for use even in extreme operating environments.

The Sigma 40XP capitalizes on Sagem’s extensive experience in high-precision navigation solutions. Sagem’s navigation systems are used on more than 300 ships deployed by 31 navies worldwide, including surface vessels and submarines with nuclear, air-independent and conventional propulsion.

Sagem also supplies the optronic, electronic warfare and radar mast system on the French navy’s nuclear attack submarines, intended for use in surface actions.