Northrop Grumman Demonstrates Shipboard Protection Technology

Northrop Grumman Corporation completed demonstration trials of a new, integrated multi-sensor situational awareness, surveillance and response system designed to counter pirate or terrorist attacks. The live demonstrations were conducted by Northrop Grumman’s Sperry Marine business unit in January and February 2007 at the Virginia Advanced Shipbuilding and Carrier Integration Center (VASCIC) on the waterfront at Newport News. The event was observed by U.S. Navy and commercial maritime customers. During the trials, the system successfully detected, tracked and intercepted two surface craft under several different high- and low-speed scenarios designed to replicate potential real-world maritime threats.

The Sperry Marine ShipSentry system integrates shipboard surveillance systems, including search radars, electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) cameras, spotlights and laser target locators, with the ship’s bridge navigation and electronic charting systems. A target of interest that violates pre-established guard zones is acquired and displayed, along with automatic identification system data, on the watchstander’s screen, integrated with the ship’s installed Electronic Chart Display and Information System-Navy (ECDIS-N) and radars. The system operator can automatically slew the EO/IR and other sensors and effectors to classify, identify and engage the threat. Imagery is also recorded to facilitate training and event analysis. The ShipSentry system is based on commercial off-the-shelf technology and leverages the Navy’s ECDIS-N and radar programs of record.

Sperry will apply the positive feedback from customers witnessing the trial this month, while continuing development of the shipboard protection technology for both commercial and military applications, according to DaCunha.