Northrop Grumman introduces new-generation IBS

Northrop Grumman?s Sperry Marine business unit has introduced its next-generation integrated bridge system (IBS) for ships, called Vision FT. This incorporates the latest advances in marine navigation technology and combines all of the ship?s navigation sensors and systems including radars, electronic chart display and information system, gyrocompass, depth sounder, speed log, differential global positioning satellite (GPS) receivers and autopilot into a completely integrated package.

The centerpiece of the system is Sperry?s voyage management system (VMS) software, which provides easy and precise route planning and gives a clear real-time picture of the ship?s precise position and movement, along with radar targets and automatic identification system data, on an electronic chart display and information system.

Sperry?s claim the Vision FT represents a significant advance in IBS technology by incorporating modern, large-screen, high-resolution flat-panel color displays, with easy front-panel access for maintenance and repairs. The man-machine interface has been upgraded with a new ergonomic trackball control device and drop-down menu windows for easy operation to minimize the need for operator training.

Other innovative features include the Sperry Marine PocketBridge remote wireless multi-function handheld devices which will make it possible for the ship?s master and officers to view data from the IBS and other ship systems on a palm-type computer anywhere on the ship. Another new capability is NaviVision, an aircraft-style ?heads-up? display that projects vital ship navigation data directly onto the bridge windows.