Northrop Grumman Corporation has been selected to supply state-of-the-art integrated bridge systems (IBSs) for the
Chilean Navy’s Danubio IV, a new offshore patrol vessel (OPV) program. These first two 80-meter OPVs are being constructed at the ASMAR Shipyard in Talcahuano, Chile.
The IBS contract was awarded to Northrop Grumman’s Sperry Marine business unit. Sperry Marine will supply commercial-off-the-shelf IBSs based on their innovative VisionMaster FT advanced PC-based Ethernet architecture that includes
proven navigation radars, electronic chart display and information system, heading and
speed sensors, autopilot and other subsystems. The contract includes installation, commissioning, integration, training and service. The systems will be delivered over the next two years.
Sperry Marine is working with other South American navies on similar programs aimed at developing a standard OPV/IBS platform to meet the individual countries’ requirements for resource protection, fishing rights violations, drug interdiction and other coastal missions.