Inertial Measurement Units

For over 35 years, Safran has led the way in developing high-performance inertial measurement units (IMUs) designed to meet the demands of defense, aerospace, and industrial applications. Our IMUs combine advanced precision and reliability, delivering the highest-performing ITAR-free products commercially available today. Each unit is built with three micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) gyros, three accelerometers and three inclinometers, all assembled in a compact enclosure for unmatched accuracy and reliability, even in the toughest environments. Qualified for more than 20 years of product life expectancy, Safran’s IMUs offers the best SWaP in the market.

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What is an Inertial Measurement Unit & Who Is It For?

An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is an electronic device that combines two sensors – an accelerometer and a gyroscope – to measure the motion of an object or vehicle. These inertial measurement unit sensors detect linear acceleration and angular velocity to track movement and orientation in three dimensions.

An IMU is responsible for providing the raw motion data – at an extremely precise level – to support critical, real-time calculations of movement onboard any vehicle or moving object.

Safran Inertial Measurement Units are being used in applications for:

Aviation

Aerospace & Defense

  • For aircraft navigation, flight control, and mission-critical guidance systems operating in GPS-denied environments.

Autonomous Systems & Robotics

  • For drones, autonomous vehicles, and robotic platforms that require precise motion tracking and stabilization.
Maritime

Marine & Subsea Navigation

  • For vessels, underwater vehicles, and offshore systems that rely on inertial sensing where GNSS signals are unavailable.
Locations

Industrial & Surveying Applications

  • For mapping, georeferencing, and heavy machinery where accurate orientation and motion data are essential.

Why Use Inertial Measurement Sensors?

IMUs work without GPS

The sensors that are embedded inside an IMU can provide the essential motion data such as angular rate velocity as well as linear acceleration completely on their own without the need for GPS. If you lose a signal with GPS you can still know your movement and rotation thanks to an onboard inertial measurement sensor.

This makes IMUs especially valuable in environments where GPS signals are unavailable, unreliable, or intentionally denied, such as indoors, underwater, or in urban canyons. By continuously measuring motion, IMUs ensure uninterrupted awareness of orientation and movement even when external positioning systems are not accessible.

High Frequency Data

Inertial units are designed to output data at a high frequency rate, ranging from 100 Hz to 1000 Hz or higher. This ultra-fast rate of outputting data is necessary for applications that require real-time motion tracking, such as drones, UAVs, robotics, and high dynamic objects such as missiles or aircrafts. This high update rate enables precise capture of rapid changes in motion and orientation, ensuring smooth control and accurate navigation even in highly dynamic environments. It also allows downstream systems, such as flight controllers or navigation algorithms, to react quickly and maintain stability in real time.

Reliable in harsh environments

Safran’s IMUs are recognized globally for their ability to perform in the most challenging environments, featuring unparalleled in-run bias stability (IRBS), and low noise (ARW). Each circuit board and enclosure is built to withstand harsh conditions while providing consistent, dependable performance. This level of performance ensures accurate motion sensing over extended periods, even in high-vibration and high-dynamic scenarios. As a result, Safran IMUs deliver reliable data for mission-critical applications where precision and robustness are essential.

Key Parameters of Inertial Measurement Units – Accuracy Matters

ParameterWhat It MeansWhy It MattersTypical Range
Bias Stability (IRBS)How stable the sensor output is over time when no motion is presentDirectly impacts long-term accuracy and drift0.001°/hr to 10°/hr
Angular Random Walk (ARW)Noise in the gyroscope signal over timeAffects short-term precision and smoothness0.001°/√hr to 0.1°/√hr
Output Data RateHow frequently the IMU provides measurementsCritical for real-time control and fast dynamics100 Hz to 2000 Hz+
Dynamic RangeMaximum measurable acceleration and rotationEnsures performance in high-speed or high-G environments±2g to ±100g, ±250°/s to ±20,000°/s
Environmental RobustnessAbility to operate under temperature, shock, and vibrationDetermines reliability in harsh conditions-40°C to +85°C (or higher), high shock tolerance

Safran’s Inertial Measurement Units

Reliable, accurate performance in tough conditions for precise motion tracking and orientation

Industry

Trusted globally for excellence

Safran’s mems inertial measurement units offer high bandwidth, compact and efficient form factors, and exceptional weight-to-performance ratios. We have a proven track record of both building and deploying IMUs that operate reliably even in contested environments.

From aerospace and defense to industrial automation, robotics, transportation, and energy systems, our IMUs deliver precise motion tracking data.

Whether you need to embed an IMU into your inertial navigation system (INS) or pair it with an attitude heading reference system (AHRS), the IMUs will serve as the source of raw movement and acceleration data.

Have specific questions about IMUs or need expert advice?

If you have a question about inertial measurement units or would like a quote, contact us today.