Northrop Grumman will supply the navigation and communication systems for the Iraqi Navy’s nine new 35m patrol boats, under a contract awarded by Swiftships Shipbuilders.
Under the $19m contract, Northrop Grumman’s Sperry Marine will equip each vessel with an integrated bridge system (IBS) based on the company’s new-generation VisionMaster FT navigation technology.
Navigation radars, electronic chart display and information systems running on TotalWatch multifunction workstations are also included in the IBS.
In addition, the integrated system will also include Northrop’s integrated tactical data link, tactical communications, interior communications and other navigation subsystems and sensors.
Additional services under the contract will include engineering and technical support for installation, commissioning, testing and training.
Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine vice president J Nolasco DaCunha said that they designed the VisionMaster FT products with built-in flexibility to meet the unique space constraints, manning levels and operational requirements of patrol vessels engaged in coastal and offshore missions.
The nine coastal patrol boats being built for the Iraqi Navy are designed to operate up to 200 miles from shore with four officers and eight crew members.
Swiftships is building the vessels under a $181m foreign military sales (FMS) contract awarded by the US Naval Sea Systems Command.
