A-PNT Solutions in GPS-Denied Environments
Northrop Grumman has been awarded a production contract by the US Navy for the new AN/WSN-12 Inertial Sensor Module (ISM), a next-generation sensor that significantly improves navigation in GPS-denied environments for surface ships and submarines.
“The new AN/WSN-12 Inertial Navigator System will deliver more precision and performance for the warfighter, while occupying the same footprint as its predecessor […] This allows upgrades to be made on existing systems where space is at a premium,” explained Todd Leavitt, VP Naval and Oceanic Systems, Northrop Grumman.
The sensor is a key component of the USN AN/WSN-12 Inertial Navigator System (INS), upgrading the Northrop Grumman-built AN/WSN-7 INS, in service on almost all USN vessels for over two decades. Surface ships and submarines rely heavily on the positioning data provided by GPS for navigation, for safety at sea and to fire weapons. The AN/WSN-12 ISM provides highly accurate positioning data with or without GPS, a key component to establishing Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) maritime solutions. The first ISM will be fielded later this year.