Recherche

Research, development and technology within the naval division falls under two processes:

• Company - funded R&D
• Customer - funded R&T

Company-funded R&D is research and development which is self-funded by Thales. In 2006 a major R&D programme was launched to promote innovation within the group.  At present the Naval Division funds 20 million euros towards R&D, which will rise by 30 % in 2009 to 26 million euros.

Company R&D is based around 4 pillars, each focusing on specific business areas:

1. Future Systems

• Synthetic environments for warship evaluation
• Underwater systems
• Above-Water systems
•  Naval Services

2. Product and Programme Support

• Underwater systems
• Above-Water systems
• Naval services

3.Cost and Risk Reduction

• Underwater systems
• Above-Water systems

4. Naval Services

Customer-funded R&T is the development of innovation funded by defence ministries, procurement agencies and the like. Innovation must focus on creating value for the customer. Whether its advanced study plans in France, Osprey contracts in the UK, or Capability Technology Demonstrators in Australia, these types of study contracts pave the way for a long standing relationship with our customer.

An excellent example of customer funded R&T is the Captas Variable Depth Sonar, which was selected for the Franco-Italian FREMM frigates and the MF flank array for the Barracuda SSN it was based on technologies developed in the course of the PEA advanced Study Plans.