Suite Comprises MARINS INS and NETANS Data Units

iXBlue delivered the first cybersecure navigation system for the French Navy’s defence and intervention frigate (FDI) on 4 September, in the presence of French Defence Minister Florence Parly. This marks the first delivery under a 2017 contract with Naval Group, which cllaed for supply of the MARINS inertial navigation system (INS) and NETANS data distribution and processing units for the five all-digital next-generation frigates for the French Navy.

“It is the first time that iXblue systems have been chosen by Naval Group to equip a new-built major combat vessel for the French Navy,” explained iXblue CEO, Fabien Napolitano. “This choice underlines the robustness and reliability of iXblue systems, and in particular their ability to respond to cyber security threats in environments where GNSS is inoperable.”

Naval Group Programme Director, Olivier de la Bourdonnaye, added “We know we can count on their cutting-edge expertise in the field of navigational calculations and cyber security to equip defence and intervention frigates with the best possible systems, meeting the needs of the French General Directorate of Armament (DGA).”

Based on iXblue’s fibre-optic gyroscope technology, the MARINS units are very high-performance INS, meeting the requirements of the most modern combat ships. They provide highly accurate position, heading, roll, pitch and speed information, regardless of the environment – even when GNSS signals are inaccessible. At the heart of the navigation system, the NETANS data distribution and processing unit interfaces directly with the ship’s sensors, acquiring, analysing, correlating, then distributing data to all onboard systems. As a result, the NETANS range provides reliable, consistent and accurate navigation information in the most difficult operational environments, while also addressing cyber security challenges.