Northrop Grumman’s AN/WSN-12 Navigation Processor Module is entering production under an initial three-year production contract as the successor to the AN/WSN-7, which has been used by the US Navy for many years.
The contract covers the development of next-generation navigation capabilities for US Navy surface vessels and marks the start of the Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) phase. Building on its experience in providing reliable navigation systems to the Navy, Northrop Grumman announced that it aims to support US Navy missions over the long term through this effort.
Northrop Grumman Advances AN/WSN-12
The AN/WSN-12 is the successor to Northrop Grumman’s AN/WSN-7 system, which has been in service for many years and remains in use across the US Navy fleet. The NPM processes and distributes navigation information, helping ship crews carry out their missions safely and operate weapon systems more securely. Under the contract, Northrop Grumman will continue producing AN/WSN-12 NPM units to support installations across various ship platforms. The NPM operates in conjunction with the Inertial Sensor Module, which is designed and manufactured by the company.
Northrop Grumman Vice President of Maritime and Oceanic Systems Erika Herbert stated that reliable navigation capabilities are critical to the US Navy’s surface and submarine fleets. Herbert noted that the transition of the AN/WSN-12 into production provides a navigation solution offering greater accuracy and resilience, supporting ship crews in safely carrying out their missions and operating weapon systems.
Transition to Digital Navigation with AN/WSN-12
As a critical component of the AN/WSN-12 system, the NPM provides highly accurate and continuously available navigation data to onboard combat systems, weapon systems and mission planning tools. The system delivers resilient navigation data that enhances mission safety and weapon effectiveness in all weather conditions. Building on the AN/WSN-7’s decades of performance at sea, the AN/WSN-12 offers a modernisation solution that can be integrated into various US Navy platforms while supporting the Navy’s broader transition towards more automated and digital navigation and mission planning.
The company’s navigation technology aims to provide ship watch officers with optimal situational awareness while carrying out their duties. Integrated bridge systems, WSN-7 and WSN-12 inertial navigation systems, and electronic charting systems enhance safety while providing full flexibility in data access.
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Source: C4Defence – Northrop Grumman
