An Overview of Safran Avionics Sensors

Posted on November 5, 2025 Kyle Salem Electric Parts

Modern aircraft depend on a network of sensors to continuously monitor position, motion, attitude, and environmental conditions within many systems. Among some of the leading developers in this field is Safran, whose sensor technologies primarily support navigation, stabilization, and guidance functionality. In this blog, we will take a closer look at what to expect from Safran’s avionics sensors and how they comply with airworthiness standards to help you decide if their products are an appropriate choice for your aerospace applications.

The Range of Safran Avionics Sensors

Safran’s leadership in avionics sensor technology is anchored in two complementary divisions: Safran Sensing Technologies and Safran Electronics & Defense. Safran Sensing Technologies is responsible for creating high-accuracy sensing technologies, while Safran Electronics & Defense transforms those core sensors into complete avionics and navigation architectures. Together, these business units address a full spectrum of needs across civil, military and unmanned platforms through three main categories of products:

Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) & Gyro Modules: A broad family of IMUs and gyro modules are designed by Safran to deliver precise angular rate and acceleration data for inertial reference and aircraft navigation systems.
Accelerometers & MEMS Inertial Sensors: Safran offers a range of MEMS-based accelerometers and inertial sensor components engineered for high stability.
Integrated Navigation & Timing Solutions: Beyond standalone sensors, Safran’s system-level navigation and timing solutions fuse multiple sensing technologies for accurate navigation data.

Notable Applications

Safran’s sensors can support many mission-critical functions, including:

Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) that provide continuous position, velocity, and attitude data even in the absence or degradation of GNSS signals.
Flight control and stabilization for responsive control-surface action and stable flight behavior.
Sensor and payload stabilization to deliver steady and accurate feedback for systems like radar, LIDAR, or electro-optical payloads.
Guidance and positioning inputs for unmanned and autonomous operations.

Standout Design Features

Broadly-Applicable Aspects

Across its avionics sensor portfolio, Safran boasts core design principles like:

Low Size-Weight-Power (SWaP): Many Safran sensor modules are optimized to minimize their carbon footprint, mass, and power consumption.
High Accuracy and Stability: Safran’s stringent manufacturing and calibration processes help minimize bias drift and present consistent performance throughout their service life.
Robust MEMS Architecture: Within Safran’s MEMS-based accelerometer and inertial sensor families, such as those in the MS1000L series, products are fully calibrated and capable of withstanding shocks up to 6,000 g.
Configurable and Modular Design: Several of Safran’s gyro and IMU modules can be tailored to meet specific requirements. For example, their different options for performance grade, output interface, and environmental protection support smooth integration into various aviation platforms, making it easier to achieve fleet commonality and less complex logistics.

Series-Specific Aspects

In addition to the aforementioned qualities, certain Safran product series incorporate additional advanced capabilities, such as:

Ultra-High-Performance Calibration and Diagnostics: Select IMU and gyro modules, such as those in the STIM series, are factory-calibrated for bias and sensitivity, all while including continuous self-diagnostic monitoring.
Tactical-Grade and Extended Life Design: Sensor families like the STIM 277H are qualified to tactical-grade performance standards and have operational life expectancies exceeding 20 years, being designed for sustained precision over extended deployment cycles.

Safran’s Compliance with Various Aerospace Standards

When purchasing any sensors for avionics applications, it is always imperative to verify whether the company’s hardware and systems comply with exacting standards laid out for aerospace platforms in both the production phase and continued lifecycle support. Safran consistently demonstrates alignment with internationally recognized aerospace and defense standards, some of their approvals including:

EN 9100:2018 / AS 9100D / JISQ 9100:2016: These international aerospace quality management standards govern the design, development, production, and post-purchase support of sensors and associated systems across general aviation and defense applications.
EASA Part-21G & Part-145: Issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, these approvals certify an organization’s capability to perform aircraft component production (Part-21G) and maintenance or repair activities (Part-145) in accordance with European airworthiness requirements.
AQAP 2110: NATO Allied Quality Assurance Publication 2110 confirms compliance with quality assurance criteria for the design, development, and production of equipment used in defense contracts.
FAA 14 CFR Part-145: This U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification authorizes Safran’s approved repair stations to perform inspection, maintenance, and overhaul of avionics hardware in compliance with U.S. regulatory frameworks.

Browse Safran Sensors and More on ASAP Semiconductor Today!

In conclusion, Safran’s sensors exemplify avionics-grade performance, combining exceptional engineering with an extensive after-sales network to deliver long service lives. These sensors are a great choice for many platforms, though it is essential for operators to review the certifications and intended performance of individual part numbers to ensure they align with specific project requirements. Moreover, to properly carry out procurement for these parts, partnering with a trustworthy specialist is advised.

ASAP Semiconductor serves as a dependable partner for securing Safran avionics sensors and other options from leading companies, offering thousands of industry-standard products that are ready for purchase. On our website, customers can search by NSN, part type, manufacturer, and other common designations to easily locate desired items. Furthermore, with extensive supply-chain expertise, a global reach, and a commitment to presenting competitive fulfillment options, ASAP Semiconductor stands ready to support even your most complex sourcing needs. Whether you would like to kick off procurement or simply discuss our diverse services, do not hesitate to connect with our representatives at any time.