Sagem to modernize the navigation and alignment system on Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier

: Posted On Tuesday, 10 September 2013 08:40

DSEI Naval Daily News - Sagem at DSEI 2013

Sagem to modernize the navigation and alignment system on Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier

Sagem (Safran), the European leader in navigation systems and technologies, has won a contract from French defense procurement agency DGA as prime contractor for the modernization of the inertial navigation and alignment system (SINA) on the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier.

French Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle
(French Navy file photo)

System modernization mainly involves the replacement of the original gimbal type inertial reference units by very-high-precision Sigma 40 laser gyro inertial navigation units.

Sagem will gradually upgrade the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier navigation system. The system will supply:
-navigation, guidance and attitude data in real time to the many onboard systems involved;
-data allowing Rafale fighters to align their own laser gyro navigation systems, also supplied by Sagem.

Sagem continues to work with French shipyard DCNS on the integration of high-performance navigation systems that enhance the capabilities of its shipborne weapon and combat systems. The company's expertise is reflected in new functions, tested for effectiveness, and guaranteed performance throughout the development and production cycle, all while meeting the tight dead lines imposed by the Charles-de-Gaulle 's maintenance schedule.

After completion of this program, the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier will deploy a navigation system fully equivalent to new vessels already equipped with Sagem's Sigma 40 system, including Mistral class BPC amphibious assault ships, Horizon and Aquitaine frigates (FREMM program) and the upcoming Suffren class nuclear attack submarines in the Barracuda program.