Goodrich Supplying Thales with Sensors for Laser Missile

Goodrich Corp. has received a production order for more than 1000 units of its SiIMU02 inertial measurement units (IMU) from Thales of Belfast, Ireland. Deliveries will start in late 2013.

The IMUs, which will be produced by Goodrich’s Sensors and Integrated Systems team in Plymouth, England, will be used as the standard inertial sensor on Thales’ new lightweight multirole missile (LMM). The lightweight laser beam-riding missile is designed to be launched from a variety of naval, air and land platforms in a variety of operational roles. Its first application is expected to be the UK Royal Navy’s AW159 Wildcat helicopter.

The production order follows successful trials of the SiIMU02, which demonstrated rugged reliability and reliable, highly accurate motion sensing in an extremely small, lightweight and flexible package that is one-tenth the size of legacy IMUs. They employ microelectromechanical systems technology and are suitable for guidance across a range of missiles and rockets.

“The SiIMU02 was originally selected for LMM trials as a result of its growing reputation and track record in theater, and we look forward to supporting Thales as they introduce this important new missile to the UK armed forces,” said Alan Hull, director of business development for the Sensors and Integrated Systems business unit.

Goodrich Corp. supplies systems and services to aerospace, defense and homeland security markets.

For more information, visit: www.goodrich.com