Northrop to build bridge and navigation suite for Elizabeth class carriers

LONDON (BNS): US defence firm Northrop Grumman has been awarded a contract to build the Integrated Navigation Bridge System (INBS) for the Royal Navy’s next-generation Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.

Under the undisclosed amount of contract, Northrop Grumman’s Sperry Marine business unit will build and deliver the complete INBS, including electronic chart display and information system for the new class of aircraft carriers being built by UK’s BAE Systems. 

The INB system will include navigation planning, electronic charts and radar displays, as well as a comprehensive set of sensors and software, Northrop said.

The system will integrate all of the ship’s navigation sensors and systems into a modern, efficient, ergonomic network of multi-function workstations to meet operational requirements.

The contract also makes provision for equipment integration and testing. 

Deliveries are scheduled to be completed in 2018, the company said.

The Sperry Marine unit has already completed initial design phase of the contract, including change requests, and is currently designing a Navigation Light System under an option in the production contract, Northrop said.

The defence firm also received another contract to design Navigation Lights, Shapes and Sounds (NLSS) for the supercarriers.