RAN Selects iXblue Inertial Navigation Systems for New OPVs

SAINT-GERMAIN-EN-LAYE/CANBERRA:  iXblue’s inertial navigation systems and gyrocompasses have recently been chosen to equip the new Royal Australian Navy’s SEA1180 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV).

Based on Fiber-Optic Gyroscope technology, iXblue’s inertial navigation systems will provide the 12 new Arafura Class vessels with highly accurate and reliable navigation capabilities in all environments, including within GNSS-denied operational areas.

“We would like to thank the Royal Australian Navy and our defence industry partners for their trust in our navigation systems as Australia embarks on the largest fleet modernisation in decades. To be chosen as the supplier of INS and gyrocompass for the first of Australia’s continuous shipbuilding programmes is a great recognition of our technology and of our ongoing support to the Royal Australian Navy,” said David Cunningham, commercial director at iXblue.

“It’s also a great opportunity to invest in our Australian workforce and local partners and suppliers. We’re looking forward to our ongoing collaboration in Australia,”. he added.

Already equipping more than 650 surface ships and underwater platforms in 40 navies and coast guards worldwide, iXblue’s recent success in SEA1180 continues 15 years of continuous service and support to the Royal Australian Navy. In addition to supplying equipment to the Department of Defence,

iXblue also supplies specialist geospatial services and recently completed the first commercial hydrographic survey project under the SEA2400 Hydrographic Industry Partnership Programme (HIPP). –shp/mgm