The US Navy has partnered with Northrop Grumman to develop the new AN/WSN-12 Inertial Sensor Module (ISM), a next-generation sensor that significantly improves maritime navigation in Global Positioning System (GPS)-denied environments for surface ships and submarines.
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The new AN/WSN-12 ISM is a key component of the US Navy’s AN/WSN-12 Inertial Navigator System (INS), upgrading the Northrop Grumman-built AN/WSN-7 INS.
Todd Leavitt, vice-president, naval and oceanic systems, Northrop Grumman, said, “The new AN/WSN-12 Inertial Navigator System will deliver more precision and performance for the warfighter while occupying the same footprint as its predecessor.”
The WSN-7 is on nearly every ship in the US Navy and has been the program of record for more than two decades. Surface ships and submarines rely heavily on the positioning data provided by GPS for navigation, for safety at sea and to fire weapons.
The AN/WSN-12 ISM provides highly accurate positioning data with or without GPS, a key component to establishing Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) maritime solutions. The first ISM will be fielded later this year.
“This allows upgrades to be made on existing systems where space is at a premium,” Leavitt added.