iXBlue Gyrocompass Chosen for the French Navy

PIRIOU selects iXBlue’s QUADRANS as reference gyrocompass for the French Navy B2M multi-mission ship program as iXBlue QUADRANS sales tops 400 units since launch.

For each vessel, iXBlue will supply the complete navigation suite, including QUADRANS gyrocompass, NETANS data distribution and processing unit, and the warfare navigation software.

iXBlue is a global provider of navigation, positioning and imaging solutions and services for civil and defense applications. PIRIOU specializes in the design, construction and repair of high value-added ships. In 2013, PIRIOU and DCNS jointly won the contract for the supply of three multi-mission oceangoing vessels and the associated maintenance services. This contract, awarded by French defense procurement agency DGA, with PIRIOU as lead contractor, is part of the B2M multi-mission ship program. It covers the design and construction of three 65-meter multi-purpose ocean-going ships, to be delivered in 2015 and 2016. The ships are intended for the overseas operation. Seeking the best navigation solution available in the market for these vessels, PIRIOU has selected iXBlue solutions. PIRIOU chose the iXBlue navigation product suite over competitor products for its superior performance, total-cost-of-ownership advantage, and iXBlue’s navigation solution offerings and expertise. For each of the three new French navy multi-mission vessels built at its shipyard, PIRIOU will fit the complete iXBlue navigation suite. For each vessel, iXBlue will deliver two advanced Fiber Optic Gyrocompass and motion sensor QUADRANS, one NETANS data distribution and processing unit, a number of navigation sensors and two independent warfare navigation software suites.

Xavier Montazel, head of iXBlue navigation system business unit said, “We are proud to be selected for the French navy B2M program. Concurrent with this success, iXBlue is also proud to mark the important milestone for the sales of 400 QUADRANS, our smallest FOG-based gyrocompass, delivered since the launch of QUADRANS. The QUADRANS FOG is now carving a significant share among iXBlue’s 4500 FOG products shipped.”