New missile navigation system on way

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PARIS, March 21 (UPI) -- The French military is looking for new, more cost-efficient inertial navigation systems for tactical missiles.

Sagem said that under a contract from the French military procurement agency DGA it will conduct a design study for the systems and build construct inertial reference units for the new missiles based on vibrating gyro technology.

The work will lead to the development and production of the inertial navigation systems for air-to-air, surface-to-air, anti-tank and anti-ship missile systems.

"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 ... Micro Electro Mechanical Systems," the company said.

Sagem also produces the Hammer modular guided weapon and, working with MBDA, makes the sights and seeker for the Mistral air defense missile. It is also developing the infrared seeker for MBDA's MMP medium-range missile and MBDA's air-to-surface and light anti-ship missiles.