Safran’s SkyNaute Navigation System to Equip H160M Guépard Helicopters for French Armed Forces

Airbus Helicopters has selected Safran Electronics & Defense to supply SkyNaute navigation systems to equip future H160M helicopters, developed as part of the HIL joint light helicopter programme. This contract follows the order from the French Ministry of the Armed Forces for 169 “Guépard” helicopters in December 2021.

SkyNaute is an ultra-compact hybrid inertial navigation system based on a disruptive Safran-patented technology: the HRG Crystal. This hemispherical resonator gyroscope offers a virtually unlimited service life, robust design for the most severe environments and ultra-high reliability.

Thanks to this new architecture, SkyNaute exhibits significantly reduced size and weight characteristics.

With its combination of high integrity and precision, the SkyNaute navigation system guarantees a high level of performance, even when GNSS signals are absent or jammed. It will enable H160M crews to perform their missions in the most challenging theatres of operations.