French defense procurement agency DGA has awarded Sagem (Safran) a design study contract concerning inertial navigation systems for new-generation tactical missiles.

According to the terms of this contract, Sagem is responsible for the design and construction of inertial reference units for these missiles.

Based on vibrating gyro technology, this work will eventually lead to the development and production of more cost-efficient inertial navigation systems for use on all types of missiles, including air-to-air, surface-to-air, antitank and anti-ship.

The contract also confirms DGA's confidence in Sagem's ability to apply breakthrough technologies to navigation and stabilization systems. At the same time, Sagem will be able to expand its range of expertise concerning navigation systems on tactical missiles.

Sagem already develops and produces the Hammer AASM (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire) modular guided weapon for this market. Working with prime contractor MBDA, Sagem also makes the sights and seeker for the Mistral air defense missile, and the seeker for the infrared version of the Mica air-to-air/surface-to-air missile. In addition, Sagem was selected to develop and produce the infrared seeker for the MMP medium-range missile and MBDA's air-to-surface and light anti-ship missiles.

Sagem understands and applies all technologies needed for the development and production of inertial sensors for navigation and stabilization systems, including gyros (laser, fiber-optic and vibrating), accelerometers (pendulous and vibrating) and MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems).