Euronaval 2018 Marked Its 50th Anniversary with New Innovations
The Euronaval exhibition, the world’s leading event in the naval industry, celebrated its 50th anniversary edition this year. The special occasion saw many important political visitors, including the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. For the first time since its creation in 1968, the Euronaval exhibition had the honour of receiving the President for its opening day. Accompanied by minister of the armed forces, Florence Parly and secretary of state, Geneviève Darieussecq, Macron spent four hours at the exhibition. He met industry leaders, the actors of the defence and the state action at sea, SMEs and start-ups.
The same morning, minister Parly inaugurated the exhibition with an extremely positive speech for the naval industry, announcing the launch of the studies for the future aircraft carrier. The minister of education and youth, Jean-Michel Blanquer also inaugurated the Trade Vessel for the French industry in the presence of President, GICAN and CEO, Naval Group, Hervé Guillou, President, MEDEF, Geoffroy Roux de Bezieux and President, UIMM, Philippe Darmayan.
For its 50th anniversary, Euronaval welcomed 142 official delegations including 101 foreign delegations representing 72 countries from five continents. The delegations benefitted from tailor-made tour programmes, allowing them to discover the naval materials of the future that could equip their countries’ navies. Also, present were close to 60 representatives of overseas organisations.
As a privileged witness to half a century of innovation, the exhibition is always looking to the future, amply demonstrated in its SEAnnovation space dedicated to start-ups and its Trade Vessel.
Thanks to its growth and sound economic health, the French naval industry is recruiting, but is still having difficulties attracting young people. To respond to this considerable need for young talent, the GICAN, with the help of the Naval Industries Campus (CINAV), has designed and developed the trade vessel. An innovative scheme that was inaugurated by the minister of education and youth.
The SEAnnovation space hosted 34 French and foreign start-up businesses, representing the diversity of the sector. For the start-ups present, this was a unique opportunity to make themselves known to contractors of the shipbuilding industry all over the world.
Safran Introduces New Family of Naval Navigation Systems
Drawing on feedback from its many products used in deployments around the world, Safran Electronics & Defence introduced a complete range of inertial navigation systems for both surface vessels and submarines, designed to meet the expectations of today’s navies.
Thanks to the HRG Crystal hemispherical resonator gyro, patented by Safran, and complete support packages with minimum guaranteed down times and extended warranties, this new range offers a major step forward in terms of operational effectiveness, product integration and cost of ownership.
It also covers the full spectrum of naval requirements in terms of navigation precision, based on a wide variety of models in the family. The new Argonyx product line is designed for all surface vessels, from patrol boats and corvettes to frigates and aircraft carriers, while the Black-Onyx and Black-Onyx Dual-Core product lines cover all submarines, conventional and nuclear-powered, as well as air-independent propulsion (AIP) models.
These new navigation units are light, reliable and robust to meet the most demanding requirements for navigation and weapon system stabilisation. They deliver all data needed for navigation including heading, roll and pitch, angular velocities, position and heave, vertical/ horizontal speed and acceleration. They also offer high performance in environments without access to signals from global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), allowing submarines to run without surfacing for unprecedented periods. Compatible with Sigma 40 interfaces, they are fully interchangeable, which means they can be selected for modernisation programmes.
The introduction of this new range of shipborne inertial navigation systems, following the launch of the Geonyx range for army applications at Eurosatory 2018, marks a new step forward in Safran’s deployment strategy for the HRG Crystal gyro.
Safran Electronics & Defence is a legacy supplier of inertial systems, both civil and military, for land, sea, air and space applications. The company has built up globally recognised expertise in inertial navigation and positioning. Today, Safran outfits more than 1,000 ships – merchant marine, naval surface ships and submarines – and some 40 navies worldwide, with inertial systems and sensors designed and built in France.
HENSOLDT Presents New Sensor Solutions
HENSOLDT, the leading independent sensor solutions provider, presented its wide range of naval sensor technologies at this year’s exhibition
The peak in submarine sensor technology represents HENSOLDT’s unique twin optronic mast solution combining the OMS 150 and OMS 200 periscopes. Bringing together the latest optronics sensor technologies such as low light level TV camera, high-definition mid-wave infrared and short-wave infrared, this product enables new submarine capabilities in all light and weather conditions.
HENSOLDT’s TRS-4D naval radar is designed to support anti-air and anti-surface operations. It is available with one rotating antenna and in another version with four fixed antenna panels. The radar’s AESA technology delivers increased sensitivity to detect smaller and manoeuvring targets with greater accuracy, as well as faster track generation to give naval vessels more time to react on hostile threats. The radar is in the process of being integrated into the US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship LCS and the German Navy’s new F125 frigates.
Another part of HENSOLDT’s display was dedicated to protection systems enhancing the survivability of naval vessels. Early warning against laser threats such as laser beam riding missiles, laser target designators and rangefinders provides the COLDS NGB warning system while secondary radar, transponders and encryption devices ensure reliable identification-friend-or-foe (IFF).
Airbus Showcases Smart Solutions for Safer Oceans
Airbus showcased a myriad of smart solutions for safer oceans at this year’s exhibition. The portfolio presented ranges from maritime awareness centres, secure seamless communications services, through satellites and related services, to Unmanned Aircraft Systems, aircraft and helicopters. Airbus’ uniquely broad maritime portfolio enables customers to make the right decision and act at the right time, capitalizing on 50 years of experience in the maritime domain.
The company has a strong presence in maritime security, in particular through STYRIS, its coastal surveillance solutions, deployed in 50 countries with more than 250 systems delivered. STYRIS offers Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) to support the safety of life at sea and navigation, maritime security and efficiency of vessel traffic movement. It also offers Coastal Surveillance Systems (CSS) for blue border security, environmental protection, and search and rescue and, lastly, Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP).
Airbus helps to improve maritime awareness with its large fleet of Earth observation satellites. The massive amount of data they acquire daily, combined with additional information sources including Automatic Identification System (AIS) and predictive analysis, allows for a comprehensive maritime picture to the benefit of operational users, at sea or ashore. Examples of various scenarios, including threats anticipation, suspicious behaviour identification as well as STYRIS capabilities, were demonstrated at the company’s Smart Maritime Centre at Euronaval.
Additional intelligence can be provided by drones such as the Aliaca UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). With three hours flight endurance, the electric powered Aliaca provides a 360-degree panoramic coverage with its new generation gyro-stabilised vertical turret over a range of between 10 and 50 km. Ideally adapted for maritime missions, it is catapult launched and uses a dedicated net landing solution to perform intelligence missions ahead of the ship. Another offered solution is the High Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS) Zephyr platform. Running exclusively on solar power and flying above the weather and above conventional air traffic, this system is complementary to satellites, UAVs and manned aircraft. Ideally suited for ‘local permanent persistence’ (ISR/ Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), the Zephyr has the ability to stay focused on a specific area of interest, which can be hundreds of miles wide, while providing it with satellite-like communications and Earth observation services over several months without interruption. Scale models of both drones were visible at the Airbus stand.
Rafael Unveiled New Active Advanced Torpedo Defence Capability
Rafael Advanced Defence Systems presented for the first time its unique 360-degree multi-layered suite of maritime defence solutions.
Rafael’s advanced solutions provide naval forces defence superiority against all modern naval threats, such as naval area defence, swarm attack defence, and torpedo defence, based upon years of experience and operational lessons in various naval arenas and scenarios, and integrating Rafael’s combat-proven technologies in all domains.
Rafael’s unique portfolio of naval systems enables various possible combinations of deployment of its layered defence suite, dependent upon current and future threat definition, cost-effectiveness and available reaction time.
Rafael also unveiled for the first time its new ATDS – active Advanced Torpedo Defence capability for surface vessels. ATDS is a unique, innovative capability for surface ships, providing detection capabilities, locator sensors, and neutralisation capabilities for naval forces.
Based on Rafael’s unique Torbuster underwater active decoy, ATDS provides effective defence against all types of acoustic homing torpedoes. Upon detection of an incoming torpedo (external to the system), the ATDS will launch a decoy from an external launcher. The decoy will propel itself to a safe distance from the submarine and seduce the incoming torpedo by transmitting specific acoustic signals. As the torpedo homes in on the decoy, the decoy will sense when it is at the closest point of approach and self-explode, inflicting sufficient damage to the torpedo to neutralise it.
Rafael’s multi-layered defence suite comprises a number of systems, including the C-Dome, Typhoon, Typhoon MLS ER/NLOS, Protector USV, Shade, Torbuster And Sea Spotter.
For the past three decades, Rafael has been developing and implementing a wide scope of capabilities for the naval arena. During this time, Rafael has gained unique experience in the field of naval systems design, production, integration, commissioning and support, along with the important advantage of accumulated experience in major naval projects with customers all around the world.
Orolia Showcased PNT Technology for GPS Denied Environment
In response to the growing threat of GPS/ GNSS signal interference on naval missions, Orolia presented its Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) solutions for continuous operations, even in GPS denied environments, at the Euronaval exhibition in Paris held from October 23-26.
The world’s leading provider of Resilient PNT solutions, Orolia is also a European leader in delivering trusted technology solutions for critical programmes such as the European GNSS system Galileo, and the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 HELIOS project for next-generation air, land, and sea technology.
Orolia’s Assured PNT solutions provide secure, reliable PNT information and services for any naval mission, whether on the surface, in the air or underwater. In shallow or deep-water environments, Orolia’s comprehensive portfolio includes critical infrastructure support for naval command and control centres, essential GPS vulnerability testing and services, and wearable solutions that fit in the palm of a hand.
“At Orolia, we understand that naval missions are some of the most complex, covert and remotely operated military missions in the world, and our solutions are ideal for these environments,” said Director, EMEA Business Development, Orolia, Stéphane Chèze. “Orolia delivers scalable Assured PNT technology, from satellite and shipboard solutions to micro-solutions on small assets and payloads for unmanned underwater, surface or air missions.”
Chèze also delivered a presentation on ‘Resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing Applications for Military Vessels’ during the exhibition.
Orolia’s ability to integrate this sophisticated technology on individual assets, such as UAVs, supports complex military missions where multiple UAVs, UUVs or other deployed resources must coordinate their actions and function as a remotely operated team.
The same approach is applied to individual warfighters, where wearable technology provides real-time reports and situational awareness data for critical military decisions. These solutions can also deliver key intelligence, such as virtual battlefield maps of GPS jamming and spoofing activities.
“With Orolia’s Assured PNT solutions onboard for critical satellite signal security and intelligence, we offer the confidence of continuous naval operational capabilities- even in GPS denied environments,” said CEO, Orolia, Jean-Yves Courtois.
Orolia’s exhibit at Euronaval also included its comprehensive suite of fixed site and mobile Assured PNT solutions, voyage data recorders, fleet management solutions and a variety of proven naval search and rescue solutions. Orolia also introduced its latest military Assured PNT solution, the SecureFind wearable combat rescue beacon, to the European market.
Advanced Electronic and Cyber Warfare Solutions from Elettronica Group
Elettronica Group, with its three industrial assets – Elettronica SpA (Electronic Warfare), Elettronica GMBH (Homeland Security & EW), CY4GATE (Cyberwarfare) – as a European leader in Defence & Security, showcased its latest naval technical solutions at the show.
Elettronica’s systems are in service in more than 30 countries and deployed with their armed forces and security agencies, performing a variety of key operational missions, from strategic surveillance to self-protection, sigint, electronic attack and operational support for naval, airborne and ground applications. Elettronica Group boasts a long-standing tradition in the naval sector and a strong record of successful domestic and international collaborations on all the key modern military platforms, such as the Italian PPA, the Italian and French Horizon and FREMM ship class, the NFH-90 helicopter and a wide range of projects in the Gulf, Middle East and Asia. The distinctive features of its products are high sensitivity, high accuracy, a fully automatic surveillance function, and data processing for intelligence analysis (ELINT function). The performance of Elettronica’s last generation products have been further improved, increasing sensitivity and accuracy.
In a complex maritime background, the proliferation of commercial traffic at sea dramatically increases the congestion of the electromagnetic environment with unwanted signals. The intrinsically asymmetric conditions of operations are now making protection against EO/IR guided threats an increasingly important requirement for active countermeasures in this field. Currently, the concept of operations and user requirements for surface ships are changing, due to the increasing requirement for using these platforms in peacekeeping operations, military operations other than war, border surveillance against illegal traffic, and support for operations in Exclusive Economic Zones. In a scenario where ambiguity, uncertainty and complexity are the new variables characterising military operations, the deployment of EW assets is changing accordingly.
At Euronaval, the spotlight was on the last, next generation, fully European self-protection Infra-Red solution DIRCM (Direct InfraRed Countermeasure) for naval applications. This capability has been successfully tested in many scenarios and makes full use of Elettronica’s experience matured over many NATO international contexts. The immediate benefit derives from the exploitation of the capability to address MANPADS threats, including third generation threats, also used for piracy against surface vessels in an unconventional manner. In addition, our DIRCM system, combined with the use of flares according to a sequence of jamming techniques performed by the EW Manager, represents an effective way to counter IIR missiles (fourth generation).
Nexter Solutions for Future Navies
Nexter, a KNDS group company, European leader in land defence, was present at the Euronaval exhibition. Nexter, an architect and land defence system integrator, providing 100 per cent of the combat vehicles of the French Army, is also a weapons system and ammunition manufacturers of the air forces and navies. All the group’s know-how and high technologies, especially concentrated in the future vehicle of the SCORPION programme – EBRC-JAGUAR, VBMR-GRIFFON and Lightweight VBMR-SERVAL – are available throughout the Nexter range deployed on combat aircraft Rafale, Tiger combat helicopter, or aboard the Charles De Gaulle aircraft carrier, the Multi-purpose frigate (FREMM) and the Mistral class amphibious assault ship, always at the service of the fighter.
Nexter showcased its mid-calibre naval weapon systems such as NARWHAL 20A and for the first time the RapidFire T40 anti-aircraft turret. NARWHAL performs very short-range self-defence missions against drones and light craft. Equipped with the 20M621 gun, it is particularly suitable for surveillance and maritime police operations. This weapon system is adopted by the French Navy and many foreign navies. The RapidFire anti-aircraft system 40, designed in partnership between Nexter and Thales, performs short-range self-defence missions. Thanks to the accuracy and efficiency of the CTAI (Joint Venture Nexter and BAE) 40 mm gun and ammunition, the RapidFire T40AA system is capable of intercepting helicopters, drones or light craft up to a distance of 4000 m. This performance is achieved through a viewfinder with electro-optical day/ night cameras and a moving target tracking function.
In addition, Nexter group presented its entire range adapted to naval equipment. Ranging from 20 to 30 mm calibre to 127 mm ammunition as well as the 40 mm telescoped, these shells are optimized for anti-ship and air defence, including anti-ship missiles.
Finally, in a context where chemical protection is once again a major concern for all theatres of operation, Nexter offers its Nuclear Biological and Chemical (NBC) protection solutions, which has already proven itself on board the FREMMs.
Thales BlueScan System Selected by DGA for France’s Future Frigates
At the exhibition, Thales launched BlueScan, a new integrated acoustics system featuring real-time multi-sensor data fusion and analysis. The system is designed for naval forces conducting anti-submarine warfare missions and will equip the French Navy’s FTI future intermediate-sized frigates.
“The BlueScan solution is going to take the acoustic detection capabilities of naval forces to a new level. It relies on artificial intelligence and Big Data analytics technologies to help human operators make the best decisions in real time on each decisive mission. Cybersecured by design, BlueScan will bring navies an unmatched tactical advantage to achieve their ambitions,” said vice-president for underwater systems activities, Thales, Alexis Morel.
Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions are crucial to the ability of naval forces to manage tactical situations of ever-increasing complexity and to make the right choices at decisive moments. The BlueScan integrated acoustics system from Thales gives naval forces a tactical advantage by adopting a collaborative approach to acoustic detection with multiple sensors operating in multistatic mode when needed. The solution leverages advances in real-time Big Data analytics and artificial intelligence to provide automatic fusion, technical analysis and classification of heterogeneous data from acoustic sensors deployed by surface ships, aircraft, unmanned systems and sonobuoys.
The sonars in service today deliver increasingly high performance and relay acoustic data in such huge quantities that it is becoming more and more difficult to process by humans. The BlueScan system will provide sonar operators with an accurate picture of the acoustic situation and transmit only high-value data. With its open, scalable architecture, BlueScan is designed to adapt to evolving operational requirements while keeping through-life support costs under control and accommodating incremental capability enhancements to meet the priority objectives of naval forces.
MBDA Presents Naval Versions of 5th Generation MMP Missile System
MBDA has unveiled its new naval offering based on the 5th generation MMP ground combat missile at Euronaval. This decision follows the operational evaluation campaign carried out at the end of the summer by the French armed forces in Djibouti to confirm the reliability and operational performance of the MMP system in a hot environment, both from the ground and also from a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) moving at high speed.
A total of nine MMP missiles were fired with all reaching their target. Two of these shots were fired by the maritime force of marines and commandos from ECUME RHIB. A first firing from the sea-to-land and the second from sea-to-sea have demonstrated the ease of use of the MMP.
The success of this evaluation allows MBDA to extend the integration perspectives of the MMP system and to propose it on fast attack craft or semi-rigid boats for missions against hostile ships, coastal defences or armoured vehicles, especially in support of a landing of small units or special forces.
CEO, MBDA, Antoine Bouvier said, “Today’s launch of a family of naval systems based on the MMP missile is aligned with the trajectory we initiated with the French armies at the launch of the MMP program in 2011. By deciding at that time to introduce the most modern technologies of guidance and propulsion together with a multi-effect warhead, we laid the foundations of a family of weapons capable of meeting the most demanding constraints the armed forces may encounter in the field, in terms of tactical effects, in terms of mobility, as well as in environmental terms. The MMP family sees today the advent of naval versions. I have no doubt that the MMP will give birth to other more powerful versions soon.”
The MMP system (firing post and missile) was presented on the Zodiac Milpro booth, installed on a Hurricane type RHIB. On fast patrol boats, the MMP was fired from a stabilised turret carrying four ready-to-fire ammunitions installed in launchers protecting the missiles from the maritime environment. The turret can be controlled from a dedicated console or from a multifunction console in the ship’s operations centre.
French and Italian Shipbuilding Industry Associations Sign a Roadmap for R&D and Innovation
During the exhibition, and the day after the Franco- Italian cooperation announcement in naval industry, the Italian and French shipbuilding industry associations, ASSONAVE and GICAN, signed a common Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Roadmap for Shipbuilding and ship supply.
This document carries out the task entrusted to our two associations during the Lyon Summit of 27 September 2017 between the head of state of France and the head of government of Italy and singles out the key technologies that the shipbuilding industry should develop in the next 10 years and more to remain a step ahead the Asian competition.
The ‘European Maritime Technology’ industry is presently world leader in building high-end ships equipped with sophisticated maritime equipment both for civil and naval purposes, thanks to continuous investments in RDI. The European Maritime Technology sector includes more than 300 shipyards and 22,000 equipment suppliers, and employ more than 900,000 skilled people, with an annual production value of Euro 112.5 billion. A consistent part of the above numbers is generated in France and Italy (SEA EUROPE data).
The size of our industry together with the need to guarantee the long-term defence and security of the maritime domain depends on our present edge in maritime construction. Shipbuilding is a strategic sector not only for Italy and France but also for Europe. Our leadership is currently under attack by the Asian key shipbuilding countries and requires high investments in RDI to be safeguarded in the near future, as well as strong governmental support to these investments.
This is the reason why the two Associations defined five key areas, called ‘visions’, where major Investments should be concentrated namely Green Ships (efficient and sustainable solutions for environment low-impact ships), Smart Ships (introduction of technologies efficiently enhancing onboard services, safety and security), Autonomous Vessels (a pathway toward a full autonomous ship), Smart Offshore infrastructures (solutions enabling the Blue Economy development), Smart Yards (solutions enhancing productivity, quality, efficiency and safety in the full ship production process).
For each vision, ‘enabling technologies’ and ‘technical goals’ for 2030 and for 2050 have been defined.
This roadmap is fully in line with the European agenda, in particular, the ongoing work for FP9 and for the European Defence Fund (EDIDP for development and EDRP for research). In this framework, this common roadmap opens news dual opportunities of civilian and military cooperation for French and Italian companies, also in synergy with the parallel agreements between Naval Group and FINCANTIERI.
ASSONAVE and GICAN will now propose their RDI Roadmap to the other maritime European Associations in order to arrive to a shared ambitious European RDI Plan.
Chairman, GICAN, Hervé Guillou declared, “The signature of this roadmap between GICAN and ASSONAVE is the result of several months of discussion for our shipbuilding associations. It initiates a strong and lasting cooperation between the companies, to tackle efficiently the new challenges of naval industry, with a focus on RDI. It prefigures also the European understandings needed to strengthen our industry and to compete with our international competitors. We will be happy to present common works in the different committees of Sea Europe”.
Chairman, ASSONAVE, Vincenzo Petrone commented, “The definition of this roadmap is a key step forward to ensure that the leading role played by the respective shipbuilding industries at a global level is adequately reflected in the relevant European bodies. This is intended to ensure that the commission dedicate political attention and financial resources to maintain and further develop research and investment in our industry so as to preserve our global leadership. Despite the dimension of our industry, we Europeans are still in need of consolidation so that European champions acquire the important dimension required to compete with the Asian shipbuilders both in the civilian and the military sectors”.
Naval Group Presents Concept Ship SMX31 Electric
For the 2018 Euronaval exhibition, Naval Group imagines future threats, needs and constraints and presents its latest concept ship.
To meet the operational needs of the next decades, the design of future submarines requires anticipation and innovation. Naval Group innovates to push the technological thresholds and reach the unequalled performances required to respond to the future submarine navies’ stakes and presents the SMX31 Electric, the totally stealth, enduring and invulnerable fully electric submarine, capable of meeting the operational challenges of tomorrow. The conception process of this concept ship respected the same demanding requirements of commercial submarines.
The Electric operates freely and safely in an area controlled by an adversary, potentially dangerous for surface vessels or aircraft. It can help navies gather and share valuable intelligence without ever being detected thanks to the powerful acoustic, optronic and electromagnetic sensors. It is capable of acting firmly using powerful new generation weapons. It presents several assets including the extreme stealth when submerged, the increased invulnerability against modern weapons, the energy autonomy and its endurance. Furthermore, the whole combat system and platform management system is fully integrated, benefiting from the latest developments in terms of artificial intelligence, thereby allowing the crew to focus on high added value tasks to conduct complex operations.
This innovative initiative is part of Naval Group’s identity. As the European leader in naval defence, Naval Group presents its concept shipbuilding on 400 years of experience in conventional and nuclear-powered submarine design and leads the market with more than 100,000 tonnes of submarines to be delivered. On top on conceiving and producing the best submarines on the market, Naval Group enabled countries such as Australia, India and Brazil to build their own cutting-edge submarines through advanced industrial cooperation mechanisms. The precious know-how and unique expertise passed on from generation to generation in Naval Group sites is celebrated at Euronaval.
Naval Group Offers the Surface Ship Design Lab
To provide the best response to modern navies, Naval Group offers a customer-driven tool at the exhibition, the surface ship design lab, to meet as closely as possible customer’s requirements. The innovative tool was displayed on Naval Group’s booth.
To respond to the needs of modern navies around the world, Naval Group presented the surface ship design lab a configurator of surface vessel generates a variety of future surface vessels designs, built according to the capabilities proposed by the configurator and selected by the visitor.
The design lab proposed on the booth illustrates the paramount importance of a customer-driven process on the design of a solution. It also shows how innovation is the core of Naval Group’s identity and how gradual as well as disruptive innovation is integrated to Naval Group future systems and platform design, benefiting directly the customer navy.
The design lab also shows the proven ability of Naval Group to innovate throughout the years. In the nineties, Lafayette-class frigate changed the rules of the surface warfare with its stealth design, making the vessel almost invisible.
Fifteen years later, the FREMM class powerful destroyer is manned by twice less crew people than the former comparable generation vessel, optimising the operating costs of the French Navy, thanks to automation, integration, innovative architecture.
With the digital native Belh@rra frigate, Naval Group fully reconsiders the integration of systems to anticipate the IT revolutions that will occur during the life of the vessel, thanks to virtualisation and data centres.