Sperry Integrated Bridge Systems for Royal Caribbean sisters

Northrop Grumman?s Sperry Marine business unit is to supply and install the navigation and communication systems for the second and third Royal Caribbean Freedom-class cruise ships.

Last year, Sperry supplied the systems for the first ship in the series, Freedom of the Seas, which is scheduled for completion in 2006 which, with its two as yet un-named sister ships, will be the world?s largest cruise ships, carrying up to 3,600 guests and 1,400 crew. The new ships will be built at Aker Finyards – Turku.

A complete suite of bridge electronics is to be supplied, including integrated navigation and communication systems. The integrated bridge system will be based on the new-generation Sperry Marine Vision FT architecture, with large, high-resolution flat-screen displays, convenient console layouts, ergonomic controls and new operating software. The bridge layout will be similar to other Royal Caribbean ships, with all consoles and displays arranged in a U-shaped configuration for easy control from trackball devices built into the armrests of the watch officers? chairs. All critical components are duplicated, providing total redundancy and continuous safe operation.