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IXBLUE | APRIL 2019 | DEFENSE SPECIAL ISSUE
DriX USV theodolite Mine warfare Caesar systems
A new versatile Revolutionary GLTS French DGA iXblue Advans INU
unmanned surface vessel with integrated INU selects Gaps onboard
APRIL 2019 | DEFENSE SPECIAL ISSUE
iXnews
As land and naval military operations are
conducted in increasingly fast moving and
challenging environments, armed forces
need to ensure and maintain strategic
superiority with optimum efficiency and
reliability. At iXblue, our ambition is to
bring our customers toward the cutting-
edge of navigation, positioning and
pointing, and we have developed innovative
products and solutions to enable military
forces to conduct undisrupted and efficient ixblue recent
innovations in the area
operations whatever the environment
(subsea, surface, land, GNSS-denied areas).
Today, iXblue is serving over 60 navies and
armies worldwide.
of resilient navigation
Values of openness and cooperation are at
the centre of iXblue’s strategy in all the key
are being recognised
in major programs
markets in which the group operates. This
position is based on the firm belief that
cooperation brings about better innovation
more rapidly to the ultimate benefit of our
customers. Fast developments in platform
design and sensor technology, increasing
around the world.
autonomy and progress in areas such as
artificial intelligence in years to come will
result in big changes in the land, surface
and underwater warfare environment.
Indeed, rapid innovation will be necessary
to counter the proliferation of conventional
Innovation continues in these areas with new
concepts of e-positioning and augmented David Cunningham
and asymmetric threats evolving now and in reality intended to aid safer navigation. And Sales Director
the future. with the rising trend toward unmanned
and autonomous solutions delivering
iXblue’s recent innovations in the area of cost-effective capabilities, the need for
resilient navigation and acoustic sensor increasingly resilient navigation solutions
technologies have been recognised and will only grow. iXblue is very active on these
adopted by major naval programs around fronts. The off-the-shelf Phins Compact
the world. We highlight in this issue the range of small low-power inertial navigation
choice by Naval Group to equip the five new systems has been rapidly adopted by many
FTI Medium-Size frigates intended for the of the world’s leading AUV developers and
French Navy with the very high performance DriX, our unique innovative unmanned
Marins Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) surface platform has now conducted many
and Netans DDU. Likewise, Gaps, our highly- successful operations and is in continuous
reliable and precise acoustic positioning use in challenging commercial applications.
system has been selected by the DGA for its Drix is now attracting considerable interest
mine warfare application. in naval defense communities for both MCM
and innovative ASW applications.
As for the land defense market, iXblue
has become a key player offering high We hope these next pages will trigger your
performance products and innovative interest and we are looking forward to
solutions to improve the mobility of armed meeting you and discussing how we can
forces and to boost their observation and cooperate on your future projects!
targeting capabilities at the best price/
performance ratio. In the next few pages,
you will learn about our range of scalable
and highly-reliable Advans INS and
gyrostabilized platforms that have been
chosen by major integrators for artillery
launchers, armored and tactical vehicles, as
well as optronics and radar systems.
2 | iXnews iXnews | 3
01 new products
P.8
resilient
navigation
For undisrupted naval
operations
P.24
new theodolite
Allows for undisrupted
military operations
P.12
drix
A new versatile
unmanned surface
vessel
P.28
module for
target locator
For high tempo forward
P.16
Phins compact
series
More robust autonomy
for all AUVs
P.20
integrated
solutions
For land operations
02
operations
CUSTOMER STORIES
P.32 P.34 P.38 P.42
mine warfare mechatronic French navy's nexter's
French DGA selects Gaps
expertise fti frigates caesar systems
They chose iXblue iXblue INS onboard Equipped with iXblue’s
INS technology
P.44 P.46
u.s. coast guard jugoimport-sdpr
iXblue continues its support A new export contract for iXblue INS
4 | iXnews iXnews | 5
6 | iXnews
01 new
products
P.8
resilient
P.20
integrated
For land operations
navigation
For undisrupted naval operations
solutions
P.12
drix
A new versatile unmanned surface vessel
P.24
new theodolite
Allows for undisrupted military operations
P.16
Phins compact series
More robust autonomy for all AUVs
P.28
module for target locator
For high tempo forward operations
iXnews | 7
RESILIENT NAVIGATION
FOR UNDISRUPTED NAVAL OPERATIONS
Navigating in the wide expanses of seas and software (WECDIS), have brought about that provides the most resilient navigation
oceans have always proven difficult. In coastal safer and more efficient surface and subsea available to all naval platforms, from surface
navigation conditions, crews, who used to navigation. Nevertheless, limits to those ships to submarines and AUVs. Navigation
depend on sight to get their bearings, could not advances have to be identified. Indeed, GNSS information is a critical component of any
easily do so as no navigation mark was to be seen availability cannot be assured at all times. Not combat platform as it ensures the vessel’s
for miles. The manual calculations they made only is it non-existent undersea for submarines safety and enables the platform to successfully
using basic, yet efficient, instruments such as and UUVs (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles) perform its mission. By covering the full value
magnetic compasses and speed logs, were rough that need to come up to the surface to get their chain of navigation, from the manufacturing of
estimates at best and could in no way prepare exact position, but the jamming and spoofing advanced sensors (AHRS, INS, USBL, FLS) and
the crews to the hazards they might encounter of satellite transmission signals are now DDUs (Data Distribution Units) to navigation
on their way. considered as a common risk by navies around software (WECDIS), iXblue solutions provide
the world. reliable and robust navigation information
Technological developments, such as Global in all conditions, ensuring comprehensive
Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), inertial In this new technological era of navigation navigational awareness for faster and more
sensors, radars and first-generation navigation warfare, iXblue stands as a trusted partner efficient decision making.
8 | iXnews iXnews | 9
Accurate and reliable navigation Safer navigation is also brought by iXblue solutions in order to provide naval forces with Marins Series Netans Series E-navigation FLS Series DriX
Military strategic Data Distribution Integrated Navigation Mine Obstacle and Unmanned
information brought by advanced thanks to the company’s Forward Looking a full navigational awareness system (position grade INS & Processing Unit Solutions for Bridges Avoidance Sonar Surface Vehicle
sensors Sonars (FLS) that bring valuable environmental management, hazard detection and intuitive
Recognized throughout the world for its information to the most demanding naval data display) enhancing the crews’ short-time
pioneering work on Fiber-Optic Gyroscopes platform. Providing a clear picture of the decision making process.
(FOG) that have revolutionized navigation over surrounding environment, iXblue’s FLS
the past 30 years, the advanced technologies Series offers highly precise detection and One component of this new e-navigation
mastered by iXblue, ranging from its navigation discrimination capabilities thanks to its three- solution is the e-positioning capability that
expertise, to subsea positioning and imagery, dimensional coverage of the water column, brings more robust navigation by feeding
have enabled the group to develop state-of-the- bathymetric profile and seabed and sediment complementary positioning information
art navigation sensors such as AHRS (Attitude identification. iXblue’s 3D multi-beam FLS is to all onboard systems. Indeed, automatic
and Heading reference Systems), INS (Inertial thus especially suited for applications, such repositioning of the naval platform is brought Gaps FLS Series
Pre-calibrated Mine Obstacle and
Navigation Systems), acoustic positioning as mine and obstacle avoidance, real-time about by the detection of known navigation USBL Avoidance Sonar
systems and FLS (Forward Looking Sonars). mapping and navigation, as well as Rapid marks through radar or LiDAR technology.
Environmental Assessment (REA). Additionally, bathymetric repositioning is
Benefitting from iXblue’s strap-down and also made possible thanks to the real-time
solid-state FOG technology, the group’s Navigation information made resilient measurement of water depths through echo
comprehensive range of navigation systems Once all the navigation and positioning data has sounders. This information is then correlated
are exempt of all physical drawbacks that been collected by the various sensors, it is then with existing bathymetric maps to acquire
Marins Series Netans Series
may affect other existing technologies and acquired, analyzed, correlated and distributed the vessel’s exact position. All this data Military strategic
grade INS
Data Distribution
& Processing Unit
ensure that resilient navigation information to all onboard systems by iXblue’s Netans data redundancy thus greatly reduces the pool of
Phins Compact
is provided at all times. Robust, they distribution & processing unit (DDU), that errors and brings safer navigation to naval Series
INS for AUVs
are especially suited to the demanding directly interfaces with the ship’s combat system platforms thanks to a navigation information
environments of naval warfare and provide and platform management. that is made extremely robust and accurate.
unrivaled reliability and accuracy, offering
a pure inertial drift performance up to 1 Contributing to the vessel operational In parallel to its positioning capabilities,
nautical mile in 360 hours, whatever the capabilities, iXblue Netans Series is a real- iXblue’s e-navigation solution is able, through
Milspec-defined environmental conditions time system that distributes and processes deep learning and artificial intelligence, to
encountered (shock, vibration, temperature…). almost instantaneously the very diverse and assess potential hazards or vessels and classify
highly complex data provided by all navigation them according to various degrees of interests.
Accurate navigation of subsea vehicles is sensors. The system will first check the Qualifying the detected elements thus brings
furthermore ensured thanks to iXblue’s validity of the data provided by the sensors by crucial defense capability to naval platforms as it
advanced acoustic positioning systems ensuring that it is coherent with the previously helps them anticipate and react to the potential
such as Gaps. Offering robust positioning received values. It will then ensure that the threats they might encounter.
and monitoring information, Gaps USBL data received from one sensor is plausible by
(Ultrashort Baseline) system offers very checking its coherency compared to the data This qualified and relevant information
high-precision geo-referenced positioning received from other sensors. The integrity coming from the massive amount of data
performance, as well as command and of the data is finally checked by the system collected by the vessel’s sensors, can be better
control of the subsea vehicle. Particularly that makes sure that there is no alteration appraised by the crews onboard through
efficient in horizontal tracking, Gaps keeps during the data transmission. Besides data augmented reality that enables an intuitive
the mothership well away from the risk
area thanks to its wide extensive coverage
distribution, the Netans Series, that embeds
advanced algorithms, thus provides resilient
and highly intelligible display of all synthetized
navigation information. Combined to iXblue’s
BY COVERING THE FULL VALUE CHAIN OF NAVIGATION, FROM THE MANUFACTURING OF ADVANCED
capabilities and is particularly helpful for and reliable navigation information, while WECDIS (Warship Electronic Chart Display SENSORS AND DDUS, TO NAVIGATION SOFTWARE, IXBLUE SOLUTIONS PROVIDE RELIABLE AND ROBUST
mine warfare applications. and Information System), an interface that
NAVIGATION INFORMATION IN ALL CONDITIONS, ENSURING COMPREHENSIVE NAVIGATIONAL
addressing the cybersecurity challenges faced
by the world’s navies. seamlessly displays the navigational and
AWARENESS FOR FASTER AND MORE EFFICIENT DECISION MAKING.
environmental information in a highly
Complete navigational awareness interactive way, this new augmented reality
helping short-time decision making display of crucial information brings enhanced
While the navigation information gathered navigational awareness. This in turns helps
by the various sensors and processed by the crews to make informed decisions in a reduced
Netans DDU is of crucial importance to conduct timeframe, making it possible to avoid incidents
undisrupted operations in the challenging that were until then the results of the profusion
naval environment, navigational awareness of unqualified data and the use of intricate
is just as essential as it brings a much-needed navigational systems. n
added value to the platform crews. iXblue
has thus developed various e-navigation
10 | iXnews iXnews | 11
I X
L E
DR
E
A NEW V FACER S AT I
UNMA N N E D S U R
EV SSEL FOR IONSE F F I C I E N T
MILITA R Y O P E R A T
12 | iXnews iXnews | 13
Launched over a year ago on the civilian market, iXblue’s
Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), DriX, proved to be a real
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
DriX is in a unique position to provide a most needed edge
DriX
game changer and already conducted many successful to address the submarines’ technological evolution and UNMANNED SURFACE VESSEL
operations ranging from subsea positioning to bathymetry proliferation everywhere on the planet, but also the reduction
missions. The Defense community soon identified DriX as in the number of specialized frigates and destroyers. Discreet,
a real asset which would bring added value on the battlefield it can detect or deter potential submarines thanks to its Features Specifications
while keeping crews out of harm’s way. abilities to tow new generation passive arrays, to carry active • Design optimized for both coastal • Autonomous conduct
sources or to be part of a multi-static organization. and offshore missions of pre-planned missions
Diverging from traditional USVs, DriX offers unmatched • Removable and replaceable gondola • Auto-docking inside the DDS
seakeeping and high-speed transit capabilities (up to 14 Mine Warfare (MW) • DriX Deployment System (DDS) included • Remote controlled as a back-up
knots) thanks to its highly hydrodynamic hull, along with an Thanks to iXblue’s knowledge in underwater detection and • Communications:
enhanced autonomy of up to 10 days. Its sensors-embedded navigation, DriX is also in a position to conduct Autonomous Benefits - Line of sight
gondola, two meters under the surface, ensures optimal Underwater Vehicle (AUV) tracking, subsea positioning and • Sea-proven stability in high sea states - Beyond line of sight (SATCOMs & MBR)
data gathering within an exceptionally calm environment. detection. As a surface asset, DriX has no communication • Excellent manoeuvring capabilities
DriX can furthermore host a wide range of payloads. Thanks nor positioning issue. By being geographically close, it can and a wide range of speeds (up to 14 knots) Military applications
to its open architecture, it can be tuned to fit the needs of communicate with submerged AUVs and provide them with • Long endurance (up to 10 days) • Military bathymetry
any military integrator and can be used to conduct diverse the accuracy they miss, while also sending back the gathered • Reduced fuel consumption • Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA)
military operations. data to the mine warfare commander. • Anti-submarine warfare
• Mine warfare
Military Bathymetry Emergency Disaster Relief • Emergency disaster relief
Military bathymetry in peace-time will benefit straight International initiatives were recently encouraged to address
away from everything DriX brings to the market such the logistic of Emergency Disaster Relief. For coastal countries
as enhanced data collection, vessel time savings, and an or islands, this means access from the sea. And one cannot wait
extended working envelope. for harbor facilities to be rebuilt before sending in help. To
that extent, DriX is also a game changer as it can clear a path
Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) to access the pier of a damaged harbor. It can also conduct
DriX is also an undeniable asset for REA missions. Able to immediate bathymetric damage assessment of the harbor and
conduct bathymetry at great speed, it will decrease survey coastal submerged infrastructures in order to help prioritize
time while ensuring optimal data gathering. Launched by the rebuilding phase.
the amphibious force beyond the horizon, DriX is perfect Crow Nest
for under-cover operations. It can sail stealthily inside the With DriX, iXblue is providing an additional way to conduct Surface payload
Area of Operation thanks to its reduced radar cross section maritime operations. Thanks to its LARS, it is either
and heat signature, while working completely independently deployed from the coastline, from an amphibious ship dock 250 l fuel tank
from the mothership. or from a frigate davit. The system requires few people and Rafale Crown
its simplicity and efficiency makes DriX as routine and easy 37.5 HP diesel
engine
to use as a helicopter or a RHIB. Completing and enhancing
the existing assets, it brings the Force provision of warning
Mast
and an extra layer of defense whilst keeping humans in safer Sound Auto Speed
Cast System
environments. n Keel
hoisting
engine Electronics
Auto Pilot
Mission Bay
Power Grid
Rudder Blade
7,7 m
Propeller & shaft 2m
Drop Keel Gondola & Payload
14 | iXnews iXnews | 15
PHINS COMPACT SERIES
MORE ROBUST
AUTONOMY
The rise of autonomous platforms
Recent years have seen the rise of all types of autonomous
vehicles, from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), to
untethered Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)
Courtesy of ECA Group
operating in the challenging subsea environment. Offering
a flexible turnkey solution for a wide range of applications,
AUVs continue to evolve as a growing, dynamic solution.
Able to operate in difficult-to-access as well as hazardous
FOR ALL AUVS
areas where navigation is challenging, AUVs offer a flexible,
cost-efficient and safer alternative that acts as a force
multiplier and enhances the performance of traditional
solutions for various applications including exploration,
Metocean, as well as environmental, geophysical, and
hydrographic surveys.
“In many regards, AUVs are some of the most, if not the most
advanced autonomous platforms in the world. They are the Leveraging state-of-the-art expertise
only ones that are always forced to operate in a GNSS-denied
environment,” explains Ted Curley, Business Development
in Inertial Navigation Systems (INS),
Manager at iXblue. “This is why the navigation solution is
such an essential component. Because the navigation brings
iXblue has developed the Phins Compact
such a critical capability, we understand the importance of Series, a complete range of subsea
INS specifically designed to improve
our position on the market. iXblue is not just a supplier of
inertial navigation systems. We believe that we can actually
accuracy, bring reliable cost-efficient
bring more robust autonomy to the platform including a
growing importance in providing the positioning solution
with our Gaps Global Acoustic Positioning System.”
navigation solutions to all AUVs and that
is now recognized as a world leader for
autonomous navigation.
16 | iXnews iXnews | 17
Reliable navigation for enhanced autonomy
iXblue, recognized worldwide throughout the industry
Phins Compact Series: the world leading
solution for AUVs navigation Phins Compact Series
for its pioneering work on the development of Fiber-Optic The Phins Compact Series is a genuine strap-down solid- MOST COMPACT INERTIAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR AUVs
Gyroscope (FOG) technology that has revolutionized state system free of moving parts that offers quiet and
maritime Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), has put stealth autonomous navigation and does not interfere
extensive efforts in R&D to develop new innovative with sonars and other payloads acoustic noise, while also
autonomy technologies. A key focus for the company, providing increased autonomy to the subsea platforms
Features Benefits
resilient navigation solutions have thus been developed by thanks to its very low-power consumption. Launched back
• Most compact high grade INS • Stealth autonomous navigation
iXblue and the company is now considered a major actor of in May 2016, the Phins Compact Series has since then been
• Low power consumption for • Very accurate heading, roll, pitch
this new autonomous era. chosen by major AUVs manufacturers and integrators to
increased autonomy speed and position
provide reliable autonomous subsea navigation.
• Software and algorithms • Common interfaces
Over the years, iXblue has developed long-lasting dedicated for subsea operations • Seamless integration
partnerships with various key industry players including Comprising the Phins C3, C5 and C7, the Series offers a •G enuine strapdown • Open architecture with
private companies, research institutes and governments, fully scalable solution that allows AUVs industry players to solid-state system third-party sensors
to fully understand and anticipate the needs of the AUV choose the Inertial Navigation System the most suited to
market in order to remain at the forefront of technological their needs, whatever the platform’s size and mission type.
advancements. By truly understanding all specific aspects Available in OEM versions, the Phins C3, C5 and C7 share
of the AUV market and its challenges, iXblue was thus identical architectures and interfaces and incorporate
able to develop the Phins Compact Series INS, especially the same algorithms and software, enabling customers
designed to offer a scalable and highly accurate and reliable to re-use the control system on any other type of AUV
navigation solution that enhances AUVs autonomy. via modern interfaces such as Ethernet, reducing initial
integration costs. Benefiting from an MTBF (Mean Time
Between Failures) of over 100,000 hours, without any need
for preventive maintenance, the Phins Compact Series
guarantees the highest level of reliability and robustness Phins C3 Phins C5 Phins C7
and is now considered as the standard navigation solution
on which AUVs can rely to be fully autonomous.
Performance Performance Performance
“iXblue’s success on the AUVs market rely on many factors. • Heading: 0.15 deg • Heading: 0.05 deg • Heading: 0.01 deg
One is, of course, our unrivaled FOG technology. But • Roll pitch: 0.05 deg • Roll pitch: 0.01 deg • Roll pitch: 0.01 deg
another of our strong suits are our advanced algorithms. • Position accuracy: 0.2% DT • Position accuracy: 0.1% DT • Position accuracy: 0.05% DT
Everything is about data nowadays, and data is key to • Power consumption: 12 watts • Power consumption: 20 watts • Power consumption: 20 watts
highly reliable navigation. We can think of an AUV as
being a mix of a lot of very good sensors, including DVL,
GPS, USBL and LBL to only name a few. The challenging Environment characteristics Environment characteristics Environment characteristics
part to make the platform fully autonomous, is to merge
• Weight: 1.6 kg • Weight: 4.77 kg • Weight: 3.5 kg
all those data to provide a reliable navigation capability,”
• Volume: 0.4 L • Volume: 5.9 L • Volume: 4.6 L
states Ted Curley. “Thanks to our advanced algorithms and
• Diameter: 115 mm • Diameter: 154 mm • Diameter: 200 mm
Unscented Kalman Filter, our inertial navigation systems
have now become the prime sensor fusion engine, from a
navigation, position and timing standpoint. This is why we
Electrical interfaces Electrical interfaces Electrical interfaces
are able to bring more robust autonomy to those unmanned
• Serial: RS 232/422 • Serial: RS 232/422 • Serial: RS 232/422
An AUV is platforms. Overall, we have the best technology available
being deployed • Ethernet: UDP/TCP • Ethernet: UDP/TCP • Ethernet: UDP/TCP
for the navigation of AUVs today and this translates into
• Pulse: TIL • Pulse: TIL • Pulse: TIL
the sheer number of iXblue systems that are now roaming
the oceans in full autonomy.” n
From 2 to 5 independent
input data flows
18 | iXnews iXnews | 19INTEGRATED
SOLUTIONS
FOR HIGH-TEMPO LAND OPERATIONS
As iXblue became a recognized leader in the field of naval navigation over the past decade, equipping 40
marines in the world (US, UK, France, Malaysia…) with state-of-the-art Inertial Navigation Systems (INS)
and gyrocompasses, it was a natural continuation for the company to enter the Land Defense market.
Indeed, as armed Land Forces face an increasing need for safer and undisrupted navigation, iXblue’s had
all the capabilities to address their challenges on the field of operations. Nowadays, GNSS availability and
reliability has become a real concern for military forces. Spoofing or jamming are common practice in warfare
environments, while in some areas of combat, GNSS may simply not be available. Therefore, GNSS can no longer
be the unique tool used for precise location on the battlefield and the need for all vehicles and troops to be able
to operate in GNSS-denied environments has dramatically grown. Inertial Navigation Units are the best solution
to address this issue.
20 | iXnews iXnews | 21POS Series
Navigation solutions for the full A recognized expertise in line of sight A new territory for innovation
spectrum of land defense applications stabilization As iXblue has become a growing player in
In the view of this paradigm shift, iXblue has Beside navigation solutions, iXblue provides this market, innovation has always been a key
developed a full range of Inertial Navigation Land Forces with highly gyrostabilized priority in order to fit as closely as possible to the STABILIZED PLATFORMS
Units (INUs) to respond to the integrators platforms, an essential capability to compensate clients’ needs and being able to adapt quickly to
and end-users’ new challenges. Benefiting movements of the ground and to support the use a specific challenge.
from its expertise in the naval domain, iXblue of high performance sensors on vehicles during Ceos Neos Leos
Two-axis gyrostabilized Two-axis gyrostabilized Highly accurate two-axis
has made inertial navigation accessible to a operations such as communications, data For instance, from the need voiced by artillery, platform for single platform for single gyrostabilized platform
payload payload for optronic sensors
wide spectrum of land defense applications collection and long distance observation. With iXblue has developed the GLTS Theodolite,
(including Blue Forces tracking, artillery 30 years of expertise in rotary systems, motion an innovative solution, with full navigation Gyrostabilized Gyrostabilized Gyrostabilized
line of sight:NEW
REVOLUTIONARY
THEODOLITE WITH INTEGRATED INS
ALLOWS FOR UNDISRUPTED
MILITARY OPERATIONS
Military tactical operations and deployment of troops are becoming more and more
complex as armed conflicts escalate to new heights. There is an ever increasing need for
the precise location of troops and military units on battlefields who have to move quickly
and effectively in order to conduct undisrupted military operations on foreign ground.
It is to meet the demanding requirements of army topographers and artillery troops on
the field that iXblue has developed a revolutionary Gun Laying and Topographic System
named Advans Theodolite - GLTS. Based on the combat-proven concept of the traditional
artillery theodolite, iXblue’s Advans Theodolite ensures continuous military operations
by offering reliable, accurate and uninterrupted positioning information thanks to its
integrated compact Inertial Navigation Units (INU).
24 | iXnews iXnews | 25A light-weight and deployable system Indeed, its availability cannot be assured at A single cost-efficient solution
capable of rapidly gathering data for GIS
As military forces conduct operations in
all times and many factors can lead to the
disruption of satellite transmissions, on which
to digitize old artillery launchers
Finally, the major technological advances
Advans Theodolite - GLTS
increasingly demanding environments, the the GNSS rely. RF interferences, geographical that have been taking place in the world have INNOVATIVE SYSTEM FOR GUN LAYING AND TOPOGRAPHY
need for accurate and reliable topographical constraints or signal jamming by third parties allowed increased digitized warfare to support
information is becoming indispensable. The are all factors that poses a major threat to command and control and to provide real-time
use of Geographical Information Systems military operations worldwide. This frequent battlefield intelligence. In order to meet the 21st Features Benefits Technical specifications
(GIS) by most armies around the world has loss of signal is thus a major concern for artillery century challenges, countries worldwide have • Gun laying and gun control • French in-house technology • Excursion range:
(positioning and orientation • Fast deployment outside of the - Elevation: +60°/-20°
made military decision making more efficient units who are now relying on INU to replace to modernize their military forces and upgrade
of artillery launchers vehicle (MODULE FOR
TARGET LOCATOR FOR
HIGH TEMPO
FORWARD OPERATIONS
© US army photo
Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), Especially designed to reinvent the traditional
Forward Air Controllers (FACs) and Forward solution currently used by forward military
Observers (FOs) are all of crucial importance for forces and that requires them to make use
the success of efficient military operations as they of various instruments such as laser range
bring highly valued and essential coordination finders, goniometers and north finders,
with ground forces during direct offensive air this new module for Target Locator offers a
operations and fire onto a precise target. compact and lightweight all-in-one solution Disembark
that can fit all handheld thermal imagers. It from vehicle
Because of the very nature of their missions, can be carried into a backpack and enables
that include surveillance, target acquisition military forces to reduce operations time and
and coordinates extraction, those units provides undisrupted navigation information.
Prepare mission Drive to forward location
conduct operations on forward locations, Aiming and
dangerously close to the enemy, where While the traditional solution currently used targeting
armies are engaged in conflict. They are thus by JTACs, FACs and FOs requires time on the Walk to a
tactical position
particularly vulnerable to the enemy fire field for the set-up and calibration of north
and need to maintain a very high tempo of finders and can be subjected to the loss of
operations in order to successfully and safely GNSS-signal, iXblue’s revolutionary Inertial
complete their missions. Module for Target Locator bypasses all those
constraints. Indeed this new solution, with its
It is to help them increase their survivability integrated INU (Inertial Navigation Unit), N 48°51’45.81’’
E 2°17’15.331’’
and the efficiency of their operations does not require any calibration, nor does it
Target
that iXblue has developed an innovative need the use of north finders or GPS, saving
and revolutionary inertial module for exponential time as the INU provides accurate
Target Locator. positioning information at all times and is
instantly ready to use, even in GNSS denied- Go back to base
environments. n
28 | iXnews iXnews | 2930 | iXnews
02 CUSTOMER
sTORIES
P.32
mine
P.42
nexter's
warfare
French DGA selects Gaps
caesar systems
Equipped with iXblue’s INS technology
P.34
mechatronic
They chose iXblue
P.44
u.s.
expertise
coast guard
iXblue continues its support
P.38
French navy's fti frigates
iXblue INS onboard
P.46
jugoimport-sdpr
A new export contract for iXblue INS
iXnews | 31THE FRENCH DGA CHOOSES IXBLUE’S GAPS
ACOUSTIC POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR ITS
MINE WARFARE
APPLICATIONS
The French General Directorate of
Armament for Technical Naval Applications
(DGA Technique Navales – DGA/TN,
formerly GESMA), an entity specialized
in experimentation in the area of mine
performance, particularly in shallow waters
and in noisy environments. Its telemetry
function also allows for the recalibration of
the Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) on
board the underwater vehicle thanks to an
warfare, has selected iXblue’s Gaps acoustic acoustic communication link, as well as for
positioning system for its Autonomous the command and control of the AUV. The
Underwater Vehicle (AUV) positioning and broad opening of its 3D antenna, up to as
monitoring applications. much as 200 degrees, also gives it unrivaled
capacity in terms of horizontal tracking,
«The choice of Gaps by the DGA/TN, which enabling the system to cover a very extensive
is the reference in France in the area of mine area and keep the mothership well away from
warfare, is a clear mark of the confidence the area of risk. Compact and lightweight,
placed in our underwater positioning Gaps is very easy to use and integrate and can
technology», explains Hubert Pelletier, be installed on different types of platforms
Head of the Acoustics Division of iXblue. (hulls of ships, hoisting systems, poles, buoys,
«This contract, which further strengthens surface drones).
a longstanding working relationship with
the DGA/TN, is testimony to the quality and This new contract announced by the DGA/TN
reliability of our Gaps acoustic positioning confirms the success that iXblue’s acoustic
system for strategic military applications positioning system has been experiencing
such as mine warfare.» over the last few years. Gaps has already been
adopted by more than 120 key players in the
Incorporating iXblue’s Phins Inertial military and civil sectors worldwide, and has
Navigation System, the Gaps system is thus established itself, in recent years, as a
equipped with a pre-calibrated USBL (Ultra leading product for operations requiring the
Short Base Line) antenna and offers very precise positioning of underwater vehicles,
high-precision geo-referenced positioning towed fish and divers.
32 | iXnews iXnews | 33THEY CHOSE
IXBLUE’SMECHATRONIC
34 | iXnews
EXPERTISE iXnews | 35Over the past 30 years, iXblue has developed an extensive know-how in the
development of rotary systems, motion simulators as well as positioning
systems. This unrivaled expertise in mechatronics and navigation
technologies has enabled the company to design and manufacture innovative
and high-performance stabilization and pointing platforms for the defense
and security market. Thanks to its recognized expertise, iXblue technology
has now been chosen to provide reliable stabilization, accurate pointing
(both absolute and relative), as well as precise positioning and orientation
to numerous military forces, police and security services worldwide.
iXblue mechatronic expertise has thus been chosen by major integrators
and optronic companies for various applications including satellite
communication, surveillance, target acquisition and tracking.
Thales Group hundreds of systems have been delivered this requirements.” States Patrick Patin, electro optical systems dedicated to the defense
Recognized as a global leader on the to our customers over the past five years.” Program Manager at CILAS ArianeGroup. and space markets, that has chosen iXblue’s
mechatronic market, iXblue has been working explains Frédéric Le Gusquet, Product technology for its well-known EOPTRIS
for over 14 years now in close partnership, Development Manager at Thales Land & Bertin Instruments product range adds: “The Leos pan & tilt
with Thales Communications and Security, Air Systems. “We would like to thank iXblue iXblue’s technology can also be found on Bertin makes it possible for the EOPTRIS
on the development of special custom for supplying the Ceos stabilized platform, Instruments’ Second Sight MS long range 360 to achieve a very precise pointing
programs, for the co-design, the expertise part of Margot 3000 VM, and for complying chemical and toxic gas clouds detector used by position and gyrostabilization while
or the subcontracting of the manufacturing to the delivery schedule with a high-level both military and civil security forces, as well driving main battle tanks and armored
of various stabilized solutions. Being able of quality.” as for other sensors the company develops for fighting vehicles. Thanks to the highly
to work on very demanding projects with CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and accurate dual-axis gyrostabilization of the
high-level of requirements while remaining ArianeGroup nuclear) applications. Leos pan & tilt, combined with OIP’s wide
reactive and bringing strong support to Thales is not the only group convinced by range of advanced sensors, we are able
its customers, iXblue was thus chosen by iXblue’s mechatronic expertise. Other major “Bertin has been developing new sensors to provide a 24-hour observation and
Thales Communications and Security for companies have indeed also decided to trust solutions for observation and surveillance for surveillance capability to suit different land
the development of stabilization solutions iXblue’s stabilization and pointing technology many years. In order to keep DRI performance and naval applications. Due to the open,
for both land and air SATCOM on-the-move for their programs, including ArianeGroup at the best level even while on the move robust, very compact and state-of-the-art
applications. iXblue has also been working in subsidiary, CILAS, specialized in laser and in very harsh conditions, we have chosen design of the EOPTRIS 360, it can easily
close cooperation with another branch of the optics technology, for its SLD 500 pre-shot iXblue new pan & tilt Leos.” Explains Jean- be integrated onto multiple chassis
French Group, Thales Land and Air System to sniper detectors. Luc Ménager, Operations Manager at Bertin and platforms.”
provide them with the Ceos platform, for the Instruments. “Thanks to the very high level
reliable stabilization and accurate pointing of “Sight laser detection (SLD) is a proven of gyrostabilization of this turret (NAVAL GROUP CHOOSES IXBLUE
TO SUPPLY NEW NAVIGATION SYSTEMS FOR FRANCE’S
FUTURE HIGH-TECH
MEDIUM-SIZE FRIGATES
FTI
38 | iXnews iXnews | 39Back in November 2017, iXblue was selected At the heart of the navigation system, the
by Naval Group to equip the five new FTI Netans data distribution & processing
Medium-Size frigates intended for the French unit interfaces directly with the ship’s
Navy. With a delivery planned at the end of 2023, sensors, acquiring, analyzing, correlating
the FTI frigates are a new breed of digitally and then distributing data to all onboard
enabled vessels and will benefit from the most systems. Directly contributing to the vessel
advanced technology available to naval forces operational capabilities, iXblue Netans
today. Responsible for the development of Series is a real-time system that distributes
these frigates, Naval Group has signed a and processes almost instantaneously
contract with iXblue for the acquisition of the diverse and complex data from all
Marins inertial navigation systems and Netans navigation sensors. The Netans range thus
data distribution & processing units to equip provides reliable, consistent and accurate
these five new generation frigates. navigation information, while addressing the
cybersecurity challenges faced by the world’s
«iXblue is proud to have received Naval Group’s leading navies.
strong vote of confidence in awarding us a
contract on this major state-of-the-art program “Naval cybersecurity is of paramount
for the renewal of French naval forces», explains importance nowadays, as new vessels are
Thomas Buret, Head of the Inertial Systems and being increasingly connected and digitized.
Applications Division at iXblue. «This contract The risk of cyberattacks now poses a major
is the outcome of a long-standing collaboration threat to this new kind of vessels and the
with Naval Group with whom we are working cyber defense capability has become a critical
on several export programs. However, it is component for any vessel,” states Thomas
the first time that iXblue systems have been Buret. “iXblue systems are particularly
chosen by Naval Group to equip a new-built adapted to high-tech vessels as they
major combat vessel for the French Navy. This provide the most robust protection against
contract underlines the quality and reliability of sophisticated malwares threats. By providing
iXblue navigation systems, which have become an architecture capable of managing and
a standard on the naval defense market.” controlling that threat, iXblue truly leads the
way in cyber secured navigation systems.”
Indeed, the Marins units offer high-end
inertial navigation capabilities meeting the Integrated onto a single platform, the Marins
military requirements of the most modern navigation systems and Netans distribution
combat ships. Based on iXblue Fiber- & processing units thus precisely match
Optic Gyroscope technology, the Marins the exacting requirements of major combat
inertial navigation systems offer very high vessels in terms of performance, capacity and
performance levels and provide very accurate cost of ownership. iXblue navigation systems
position, heading, roll, pitch and speed incidentally already equip over 40 navies
information regardless of the environment, and coast guards around the world, including
including GNSS denied environments. some of the most recent and renowned naval
programs such as the Royal Navy Astute-class
INTEGRATED ONTO A SINGLE PLATFORM, THE MARINS NAVIGATION SYSTEMS AND NETANS
nuclear attack submarines, Queen Elizabeth-
class aircraft carrier, Duke-class frigates
DISTRIBUTION & PROCESSING UNITS PRECISELY MATCH THE EXACTING REQUIREMENTS OF MAJOR
and Vanguard and Trafalgar-class nuclear-
powered ballistic missile submarines, as well
as the German Navy Type 123 Brandenburg-
class and Type 122 Bremen-class frigates
COMBAT VESSELS IN TERMS OF PERFORMANCE, CAPACITY AND COST OF OWNERSHIP.
and the Swedish Navy next generation A26
and Gotland-class submarines. This contract
awarded by Naval Group for the new FTI
Medium-Size frigates program thus keeps
reinforcing the presence of iXblue on the naval
market and further establishes the group’s
positioning as a global leading player in the
field of navigation.
40 | iXnews iXnews | 41iXblue’s high-grade Inertial Navigation
Systems (INS), that provide accurate and
reliable positioning and pointing for land
NEXTER’S CAESAR SYSTEMS
defense applications, the Advans Series, has
® been chosen by Nexter to equip its renowned
155 mm CAESAR® self-propelled howitzer on
EQUIPPED WITH IXBLUE’S
various export programs.
INS TECHNOLOGY
This choice made by Nexter is the product
of a longstanding partnership established
between the global land defense systems
manufacturer and iXblue, with many of the
company’s INS equipping Nexter’s wide range
of howitzers, including the integrator’s LG1
105 mm howitzer.
“The fact that iXblue’s Advans Series INS
have been chosen by Nexter, a global leader
on the land defense market, for various
export programs, including CAESAR®, is a big
vote of confidence for us,” states Jean-Marc
Binois, Sales Director at iXblue. “It underlines
the excellence of our systems in terms of
performance, reliability and cost of ownership.
This success also reflects iXblue’s values of
innovation, excellence and strong commitment
to our partners. We are very proud of the trust
that Nexter puts in our company.”
Offering a wide range of products to meet the
various needs of military forces in terms of
performance, iXblue’s Advans Series can be
mounted on both new and retrofit programs.
iXblue’s high-grade INS can thus be selected
to modernize various types of howitzers
ranging from light-weight towed howitzers
such as the 105 mm M101, 122 mm D-30, to
heavier 152 mm or 155 mm howitzers such as
the M198 or M109.
Courtesy of Nexter Group
42 | iXnews iXnews | 43IXBLUE CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE
U.(USCG)S. COAST GUARD
iXblue Defense Systems (iXblue SAS’s U.S.
Defense Subsidiary) received a “Sole Source”
maintenance contract renewal to continue
its support of the 102 Protector Class 87’ and
Island Class 110’ USCG Patrol Boats relying on
her shipyard availability in Baltimore Maryland.
Thunder Bay is the seventh of nine Bay Class Ice
Breaking Tugs to receive one of iXblue’s Octans
Fiber-Optic Gyroscopes and NavBox Digital
Distribution Units (DDU) as part of the classes’
iXblue’s Octans Fiber-Optic Gyroscopes (FOG). service life extension program. The installation
The 2018 contract is for a base year and 4 option of Thunder Bay’s Octans brings the number of
years and is fully funded to cover repairs and Octans in service onboard USCG vessels to 109
upgrades of these USCG Patrol Boat’s Octans Fiber-Optic Gyroscopes.
FOG through 2023.
iXblue is proud of its continued support of the U.S.
iXblue Defense Systems is conducting Coast Guard and looks forward to continuing its
installation check-out and crew training for tradition of innovation, performance, reliability
the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Ice Breaking Tug and 24/7 support of the U.S. Coast Guard far into
Thunder Bay (WTGB 108) as she completes the future.
44 | iXnews iXnews | 45IXBLUE’S
ADVANS VEGA INS
CHOSEN BY JUGOIMPORT-SDPR
FOR NEW EXPORT CONTRACT
iXblue has been awarded by the Serbian defense greatest stresses and maintained remarkable advanced and innovative by Jugoimport-
company Jugoimport-SDPR with a contract to precision. We hope that this partnership SDPR. We are proud of the trust they put
provide over 24 Advans Vega Inertial Navigation between Jugoimport SDPR and iXblue will in our products and look forward to future
Systems (INS) for the accurate positioning and grow into a long-term strategic cooperation.” collaboration with them.”
pointing of its new Nora 155mm howitzers.
Benefiting from the strong expertise of iXblue strengthens its position in the
High-performance and easy to iXblue in the design and manufacturing of Land Defense market
integrate INS for GNSS denied- state-of-the-art Fiber-Optic Gyroscopes This new contract confirms iXblue’s growing
environments (FOG), the Advans Vega INS is intended presence on the Land Defense market and
iXblue’s Advans Vega INS was chosen by for new and retrofit programs on the land further cements the company’s position as
Jugoimport-SDPR to replace the current defense market. It delivers unrivaled one of the leading Inertial Navigation Systems
technology already in use on the Nora 155mm performance and reliability in extreme supplier, with Advans Series INS operating in
howitzers, after undergoing comprehensive environments (temperature changes, numerous defense programs across Europe,
testings. It was selected over competing INS m a g n e t i c d i s t u r b a n c e s, s h o c k s a n d South America and the Middle-East. Combat-
not only for its high-performance or price but vibrations), including GNSS-denied ones. proven and ITAR-Free, the Advans Series
also for the easy-integration of iXblue’s INS Thanks to its genuine strap-down and has furthermore been selected for all types
and the outstanding support delivered by the solid-state design, it provides unrivaled of land defense applications, from artillery
company’s engineers during the project. longevity and reliability and does not require launchers (howitzer, mortars, MLRS) to
preventive maintenance. armored vehicles, including optronics and
“Jugoimport SDPR is one of the largest radars. References include Nexter with the 155
European artillery manufacturers. Our “This contract awarded by Jugoimport-SDPR mm CAESAR self-propelled howitzer, Thales
selection procedure for technology partners continues to attest to the advanced quality Raytheon Systems, NATO’s long-standing
is very rigid”, states Aleksandar Lijakovic, of our products on the land defense market trusted collaborator, with the MARTHA radars
Sales Director and Member of the Board of and further strengthens our leadership in for the French Army, or Hensoldt, a market
Directors of Jugoimmport SPDR. “iXblue navigation technologies,” explains Jean- leader in civilian and military sensor solutions,
was selected after several months of testing Marc Binois, Sales Director at iXblue. “The for the equipment of its air defense radars.
in which the Advans Vega was exposed to the Advans Vega system was considered the most
46 | iXnews iXnews | 47IXBLUE | MAY 2019 | DEFENSE SPECIAL ISSUE
DriX USV theodolite Mine warfare Caesar systems
A new versatile Revolutionary GLTS French DGA iXblue Advans INU
unmanned surface vessel with integrated INU selects Gaps onboard
MAY 2019 | DEFENSE SPECIAL ISSUE
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