Airbus Helicopters has selected Safran Electronics & Defense to supply SkyNaute navigation systems to equip future H160M helicopters, developed as part of the HIL* joint light helicopter program. This contract follows the order from the French Ministry of the Armed Forces for 169 “Guépard” helicopters in December 2021.
SkyNaute is an ultra-compact hybrid inertial navigation system based on a disruptive Safran- patented technology: the HRG** Crystal. This hemispherical resonator gyroscope offers a virtually unlimited service life, robust design for the most severe environments and ultra-high reliability. Thanks to this new architecture, SkyNaute exhibits significantly reduced size and weight characteristics.
With its combination of high integrity and precision, the SkyNaute navigation system guarantees a high level of performance, even when GNSS*** signals are absent or jammed. It will enable H160M crews to perform their missions in the most challenging theaters of operations.
Safran Electronics & Defense is a long-standing leader in inertial navigation, with over 70 years of expertise in all underlying technologies. HRG technology has proven its capabilities for demanding civil and military applications in all environments: land, air, sea and space.
*HIL : Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger.
**HRG : Hemispherical resonator gyroscope.
***GNSS : Global navigation satellite system.
This press release was prepared and distributed by Safran Group.
