Northrop Grumman VMS Approved for US Navy Subs

The U.S. Navy has approved the use of Northrop Grumman Corporation's Voyage Management System (VMS), version 9.3, onboard SSN and SSGN nuclear powered submarines. 

The VMS software package will be installed on 55 SSNs and four SSGNs operating globally from all U.S. Navy submarine homeports.  Installations have already begun and will be completed by the end of 2016. 

Version 9.3 which supports polar operations has significantly increased rendering speeds, integrates seamlessly with combat radar and mission planning submarine systems and allows for real-time checking of installed charts.  

"VMS 9.3 brings significant performance and usability improvements over earlier versions, and I appreciate the hard work by Northrop Grumman to make this a great product," said Capt. John D Zimmerman, Program Executive Office, Submarines (PEO SUB), PMS 425.  "Submarine Force feedback on VMS 9.3 has been very positive, and the boats are excited to have it installed."

"These improvements in the VMS, along with a newly streamlined user interface, will help to dramatically improve the sailor's ability to navigate efficiently," said Todd Leavitt, vice president, maritime systems, Northrop Grumman.