Compact bridge system reduces costs

The CIBS is based on Sperry Marine’s VisionMaster FT technology, and uses the company’s proprietary TotalWatch multifunction displays, permitting the user to customise display screens to meet operational requirements. The system uses latest technolgy, high-resolution wide screen display consoles, which are said to provide a 25% larger viewing area than standard screens. Standard operating modes include conning information display, radar only, chart radar and IMO-compliant electronic chart display and information system with Sperry Marine’s optional iView 3-D picture for underwater contours and hazards.

The CIBS package is fully type approved to meet applicable international regulatory requirements.

The standard VisionMaster FT CIBS package includes the three-node console/display units and steering stand, as well as all necessary subsystems and sensors, including gyrocompass, speed log, echosounder, automatic identification system, voyage data recorder, GPS, steering controls and self-tuning adaptive autopilot.

“The smaller footprint and standardised equipment packaging will reduce the costs of acquisition and installation for ship owners and shipyards, and will bring the benefits of state-of-the-art CIBS technology to ships of all types and sizes, including short-sea ships, workboats, fishing vessels and naval patrol craft,” said J. Nolasco DaCunha, vice president of Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine. “The scalable system architecture means that the CIBS can be easily expanded with field upgrades to add new features and functions, including Sperry Marine’s next-generation performance-based navigation capabilities for improved ship efficiency through greater ship-shore integration.”

Naval contracts

Sperry Marine has been awarded several recent contracts for naval vessels, mostly involving upgrading existing navigation systems. These include a contract for a bridge upgrade on three US Navy Cyclone-class patrol craft.

Each of the vessels will be equipped with an integrated bridge system, including naval electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS-N), an adaptive autopilot and gyrocompass. Northrop Grumman will also provide installation support services. The systems will run Sperry Marine’s VMS, which is the standard electronic navigation software for US Navy surface ships and submarines, having been certified to meet requirements for converting the fleet from hand plotting on paper nautical charts to automated navigation and piloting on computerised displays.

Another naval upgrade contract involves the inertial navigation systems (INS) for the Swedish navy’s submarines. The order, from Kockums through distributor CA Clase, is for five MK 39 Mod 3C ring laser gyro systems for installation on two Gotland-class and two Södermanland-class submarines, with one set to be used for spares and training. The MK 39 Mod 3C systems will replace the existing spinning mass gyrocompasses currently fitted on the submarines.

A further contract involves the navigation and communication systems for nine new 35m patrol boats being built by Swiftships of the USA for the Iraqi navy. Under the contract, each vessel will be fitted with an integrated bridge system (IBS) based on Sperry Marine’s VisionMaster FT technology. The IBS will include navigation radars and ECDIS. The package will also include tactical data link and communications, interior communications, and other navigation subsystems and sensors.

Fincantieri in Italy is building two new 175m double hull fleet tankers for the Indian Navy, and has ordered Sperry Marine bridge systems for both ships. Each will be fitted with a complete VisionMaster FT IBS, including radars, ECDIS, adaptive self-tuning autopilots, gyrocompasses and repeaters, speed sensors, echosounders, differential GPS and other navigation subsystems and sensors. All critical systems have been duplicated for built-in redundancy and survivability. Sperry Marine will also supply the ship’s inertial navigation system and data distribution system, which will be interfaced with the combat management system.

Ferry radars

A significant recent commercial order for Sperry Marine concerns new VisionMaster FT chart radars for all 28 vessels operated by Sydney Harbour Ferries in Australia.

The chart radars are intended to enhance situational awareness by providing an overlay of radar images on a detailed electronic chart display, employing advanced digital technology for automatic clutter suppression under difficult weather and sea conditions. Technical support from local distributor Electrotech was said to be another important consideration.

The Sydney Harbour Ferries network connects 39 destinations from its hub at Circular Quay on Sydney’s waterfront.