New Technologies Eliminate Need for ESG

Safran Electronics and Defence (formerly SAGEM) announced on 9 January it has been selected to design, develop and build an improved version of its global navigation system to be fitted to the French Navy’s TRIOMPHANT-class ballistic nuclear missile submarine fleet.

Benefiting from extensive feedback from the current generation of laser gyro-based navigation systems, the new development will incorporate new technologies to deliver higher performance than the current system, the first to eliminate the need for electrostatically suspended gyroscopes (ESG), traditionally used for navigation on strategic platforms.

Claiming European leadership in navigation systems, Safran has considerable expertise in all inertial navigation technologies and has to date supplied systems for over 500 surface vessels and 70 submarines, including modern front-line units such as the BARRACUDA-class nuclear attack boats.