Lockheed Martin contracts OSI to supply IBNS for US Navy LCSs

Lockheed Martin Systems has signed a new contract with Canadian firm OSI Maritime to provide its integrated bridge and navigation system (IBNS) for the US Navy’s Freedom-class littoral combat ship (LCS) programme.

OSI secured the award after participating in an extensive competitive process conducted by Lockheed Martin over several months.

The IBNS design supports the US Navy’s commitment to increase the affordability of the LCS, while updating and modernising the vessel’s integrated bridge and navigation capabilities.

OSI Maritime Systems business development director Chris Haugen said: “OSI’s IBNS provides the bridge team with a highly integrated navigation and operations picture.

“The modern design, which will meet multiple MIL-SPEC requirements, supports advanced tactical features that will provide the commanding officer an expanded operational envelope in the most demanding mission environments.”

The IBNS has been designed to be integrated on to warships and conforms to American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Class Rules for Navigational Integrated Bridge System (NIBS).

The OSI system has also received Marine Equipment Directive (MED) Type approval certification from DNV GL as an integrated navigation system (INS).

The IBNS is a combination of interconnected systems that facilitate centralised access to sensor information and command and control from workstations located as required throughout the navy vessel.

It is equipped with several features such as a warship electronic chart display and information system (WECDIS), surface search radar display, track planning and automatic track following, speed control, integrated navigation information displays and bridge alarm management.

The solution has been specifically developed to enhance safe and efficient warship management.