Northrop Grumman has released a next generation maritime inertial navigation system: the Sea Fiber Optic Inertial Navigation with Data Distribution (SeaFIND), the company announced on 6 May.
The new system is a successor to the company’s MK-39 Mod 3 and 4 series inertial navigation system product line.
SeaFIND has been designed using a modular system architecture and is comprised of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a separate electronics unit connected via a single cable. Its smaller coil size and denser IMU package allows for flexible installation in tight places.
The system uses new enhanced fibre optic gyro technology. It 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.
SeaFIND can be used as a guidance system for UUVs and USVs, coastal and offshore patrol vessels, as well as small, medium and large surface vessels.