As military electronics gain wider acceptance and naval operations expand to encompass long-range deployments, joint exercises, and multinational collaborations, the demand for advanced navigation sensors has become crucial.
In the que of these advancements, On June 8th 2023, Northrop Grumman Corporation was awarded a production contract by the U.S. Navy for the development of the AN/WSN-12 Inertial Sensor Module (ISM). The contract entails no-fixed price limitations items and is expected to be worth more than a billion dollars.
Here’s The Story-
Traditional methods of navigation, primarily reliant on Global Positioning System (GPS) signals, are vulnerable to disruption, deliberate interference, or denied access in certain situations. As a result, there is a pressing need for innovative sensor technologies that can provide accurate and reliable positioning data, even in GPS-denied or contested environments.
Northrop Grumman manufactured AN/WSN-12 ISM, targeting the technology in demand. The AN/WSN-12 ISM represents a significant advancement in sensor technology, specifically designed to enhance maritime navigation in surface ships and submarines in the U.S. Navy.
According to a Press release, Todd Leavitt, the Vice President of Naval and Oceanic Systems at Northrop Grumman, said that the AN/WSN-12 Inertial Navigator System will provide superior precision and performance to support military personnel in their operations. This improved system can be integrated into existing infrastructure without requiring additional physical space due to its compact design. This feature would allow for straightforward upgrades to existing systems where space is limited.
The new AN/WSN-12 ISM serves as a crucial component of the U.S. Navy's AN/WSN-12 Inertial Navigator System (INS), replacing the previous AN/WSN-7 INS developed by Northrop Grumman.
The AN/WSN-7 INS has been the program of record for over two decades and is presently deployed on a vast majority of U.S. Navy vessels. Surface ships and submarines heavily rely on GPS positioning data for navigation, safety measures, and weapon deployment.
Moreover, Northrop Grumman adopts a strategy that shifts the responsibility of a reliable Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) Hub from solely relying on GPS to a combination of inertial devices supplemented by alternative navigation methods. Inertial Navigation Systems accurately calculate the direction of movement over time, albeit with some degree of drift, and ensure the continuity of time by utilizing high-precision oscillators.
However, in scenarios where GPS signals are obstructed or denied, advanced maritime sensors such as the AN/WSN-12 ISM will contribute in ensuring A-PNT solutions, by integrating their data through an open architecture, open interfaces, and modular software. This approach allows for the fusion of sensor information, creating a comprehensive and reliable navigation system.
Furthermore, the initial deployment of the AN/WSN-12 ISM is scheduled for the latter months of 2023.
Conclusion
With this contract win, Northrop Grumman reinforces its position as a key player in the development of advanced navigation systems, not only for the U.S. Navy but also for the broader defense community.
By pushing the boundaries of what is possible, Northrop Grumman contributes to strengthening national security and ensuring the superiority of U.S. naval capabilities in an ever-evolving maritime landscape.
Interested to know more about the growing technologies in your industry vertical? Get the latest market studies and insights from BIS Research. Connect with us at [email protected] to learn and understand more.
