The US Navy WSN-12 inertial navigator will be used on the Virginia submarines, the Arleigh-Burke-class destroyers and a host of other ships. Credit: US Navy.

Northrop Grumman has successfully completed the critical design review (CDR) phase of the US Navy’s WSN-12 inertial sensor module.

The company will now commence the manufacture of ten pre-production units of the WSN-12 inertial navigation system sensor.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Northrop Grumman Maritime Systems vice-president Todd Leavitt said: “Completion of this CDR keeps this programme on track to deliver exceptional navigation accuracy to the fleet.

“The WSN-12 Inertial Sensor Module provides technology that enables improvements to navigation accuracy and reliability, benefiting all systems that depend upon it.”

“As a primary subsystem of the WSN-12, the module features inertial sensors, supporting electromechanical equipment, and software to compute the navigation solution.”

The WSN-12 system has been designed to serve as the main shipboard inertial navigation system for most of the US Navy combatant vessels and will be integrated on to all DDG, CG, CVN and SSN class vessels.

It is used to measure and compute navigation data, in addition to providing the information to all users.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

US Naval Sea Systems Command Integrated Warfare Systems 6.0 captain Jon Garcia said: “Northrop Grumman has met or exceeded objectives in all aspects of the sensor design and was able to demonstrate performance in the testing of the engineering development models.

“We are looking forward to successful integration testing this year and receiving the sensor pre-production units next year.”

As a primary subsystem of the WSN-12, the module features inertial sensors, supporting electromechanical equipment, and software to compute the navigation solution.

The WSN-12 module has been designed to replace the US Navy’s WSN-7 inertial navigation system under the service’s Inertial Navigation System Replacement programme.

In May 2016, Northrop Grumman successfully completed the preliminary design review for the WSN-12.

Naval Technology Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Naval Technology Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now