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A next-generation navigation system has been approved by the US Coast Guard (USCG). The Sea Fiber Optic Gyrocompass Inertial Navigation with Data Distribution (SeaFIND) Inertial Navigation System can now be used as a shipboard gyrocompass system for navigation.

The system has been designed for small to medium-size combatant and auxiliary ships and is available for use by domestic and international navies.

An inertial navigation system is a navigation device that uses a computer, motion sensors and rotation sensors to continuously calculate by dead reckoning the position, the orientation, and the velocity of a moving object without the need for external references.

Following a series of test and evaluation, the system successfully displayed its compatibility and met the requirements of IMO -the International Maritime Organization’s standards – for the gyrocompass system, according to naval-technology.com. The system developed by Northrop Grumman is also capable of operating as an inertial navigator and navigation data distribution system for ships.

The company’s maritime systems & integration vice-president Todd Leavitt said: “In addition to SeaFIND’s low size, weight and power (SWAP), affordability and reliable performance in a GPS denied environment, being type-approved makes it very attractive to customers throughout the world. This certification demonstrates that the system is compliant with a common standard and benchmark.”

The system has embedded navigation data distribution capabilities, leveraging Northrop Grumman’s proprietary algorithms for low data latency and allowing for the system to interface with a multitude of users that require accurate position and timing.

The certification includes the European Community’s (EC) Mark of Conformity under the agreement between the US and the EC for type approval.

SeaFIND navigation system’s certification will also benefit the nations that require compliance to the IMO standards.