CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Jan. 15, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Sperry Marine unit has been awarded a contract by BAE SYSTEMS to supply inertial navigation systems for three new Astute-class submarines for the U.K. Royal Navy.
Each of the new submarines will be fitted with dual enhanced NATO Ship's Inertial Navigation Systems based on Sperry's ring laser gyro (RLG) systems technology. Equipment deliveries under the $5.8 million contract are scheduled to begin in late 2002 and will be completed in 2004.
The RLG systems provide highly accurate navigation inputs and precise attitude and heading data for weapons control and combat management systems.
The first of the new 7,200-ton, 318-ft. Astute-class nuclear attack submarines will be launched in 2004. The Ministry of Defence has ordered six of these submarines, which will replace the existing Swiftsure-class and early Trafalgar-class boats. A follow-on contract for the remainder of the Astute-class platforms is expected in 2002.
Sperry Marine is a leading supplier of RLG technology for the U.S. Navy and 30 international navies. The business unit is currently retrofitting the U.S. fleet of surface combatants and nuclear attack submarines with the new-generation AN/WSN-7 and AN/WSN-7B RLG inertial navigation systems under a multi-year program. Sperry Marine has also supplied the exportable MK39 series RLG systems to many of the world's navies, including Australia, Brazil, Greece, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Singapore, Spain and Taiwan.
Sperry Marine, with world headquarters in Charlottesville, Va., is part of Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector. The business unit provides smart navigation solutions for the international marine industry under the Sperry Marine, Decca and C. Plath brand names, with customer service and support through offices in 19 countries and authorized service depots in more than 300 locations worldwide.
Headquartered in Baltimore, Md., Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of defense electronics and systems including airborne radar systems, navigation systems, electronic warfare systems, precision weapons, air traffic control systems, air defense systems, communications systems, space systems, marine systems, oceanic and naval systems, logistics systems, and automation and information systems.
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