PARIS, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- South Korean submarines are to be outfitted with inertial navigation systems from Sagem of France, part of the Safran Group.
The systems to be installed on six Chang Bogo class KSS-1 submarines are Sagem's Sigma 40XP (extended performance) inertial navigation system, a "high-end" variant of the Sigma 40 designed for surface vessels.
"Sigma 40XP is built on the success of the Sigma 40 with which it shares several components," said Fabrice Delhaye, director of Sagem's Navigation Department. "This not only means reduced manufacturing costs, but it also has a favorable impact on the maintenance budget."
Sagem said it will initially upgrade one submarine with two Sigma 40XP inertial navigation units. Upgrade to the remaining five submarines will be performed after successful operational testing of the first installation.
Sagem said about 50 of its laser gyro inertial reference units are being used by the South Korean navy.
"With the contract we have just signed, we are now making headway into the submarine fleet, where technical constraints are even greater," Delhaye said.
