Safran Electronics & Defense logs orders for 3,000 HRG-based inertial navigation systems in 2016, a new record

Boulogne-Billancourt, May 2, 2017 

Safran Electronics & Defense, the European leader in inertial navigation, recorded more than 3,000 orders for navigation systems based on hemispherical resonator gyros (HRG) in 2016, a new record. By successfully maturing this advanced technology, Safran has clearly confirmed its status as an innovative enterprise, capable of meeting the fast-evolving requirements of both civil and military markets.

The HRG, a proprietary Safran technology, comprises a small number of miniature solid-state components. It offers reduced cost of ownership, while also delivering unrivaled precision, reliability, compact design and robustness.

HRG-based inertial navigation systems are perfectly suited to applications where GPS cannot be used, whether for multifunction optronic (electro-optical) systems, georeferencing and guidance systems, or on satellites and launch vehicles. The technology is particularly apt for maritime operations, including commercial ships, offshore platforms, coast guard missions and governmental actions at sea, scientific vessels, etc. It also provides clear advantages for both land vehicles and aircraft, including drones.

To keep pace with this market success, starting this year Safran will increase the production capacity of its Coriolis plant in Montluçon, central France, to 1,000 HRG-based systems a year. This plant already produces both ring laser gyro (RLG) and fiber optic gyro (FOG) navigation systems.

Safran has developed proven expertise in all inertial technologies (mechanical, laser, fiber optic, resonating), and can draw on more than 60 years of experience in the production of navigation systems for civil and military platforms operating in all environments.