The AN/WSN-12 Navigation Processor Module (NPM) from American defense and aerospace company Northrop Grumman is going to be the navigation system for the US Navy’s surface and subsurface fleets. The NPM is designed to provide the Navy’s surface and subsurface fleets with more accurate and reliable navigation information, enabling them to safely operate and employ weapons.Under the three-year limited-quantity initial production contract, Northrop Grumman will manufacture the AN/WSN-12 Navigation Processor Module (NPM) for the U.S. Navy. The aim of the program is to bring more advanced digital technology into the Navy’s fleet of ships in order to provide increased navigation accuracy and to support safer and more efficient maritime operations.The new AN/WSN-12 will be the replacement for the existing AN/WSN-7, which Northrop Grumman also developed for the US Navy. The new system is designed to provide more accurate and reliable navigation information, allowing the Navy’s crews to make more informed decisions and to maintain accurate positioning in order to complete their missions.Advanced digital technology for maritime operationsNorthrop Grumman will be manufacturing the AN/WSN-12 Navigation Processor Module for installation on a variety of naval platforms and other systems. The AN/WSN-12 Navigation Processor Module will be used in conjunction with Northrop Grumman’s proprietary inertial sensor module to process navigation-related information on-board naval vessels.These systems can then pass the information to the various combat systems on board the ship as well as the various weapons on the ship. The information is also used by the various mission planning systems on the ship. For military vessels, accurate navigation is critical, especially in challenging environments. The advanced navigation processor can provide crews with better awareness of their environment, as well as coordinate various functions on board a vessel.“Assured navigation is critical for the Navy’s surface and subsurface fleets,” said Erika Herbert, vice president, naval and oceanic systems for Northrop Grumman. “With the AN/WSN-12 in production, we’re delivering a more accurate and resilient navigation solution that helps crews safely operate and employ weapons.” US Navy’s modernization effortThe modernization effort of the U.S. Navy is gradually replacing the traditional navigation and mission planning systems with more automated and integrated digital systems. This project is part of that effort. As naval operations are increasingly dependent on advanced onboard systems, reliable navigation information becomes a key element to support the decision making process and to manage complex operations on board. The AN/WSN-12 will provide the digital infrastructure on board naval platforms and will make navigation information available to many systems on board.The program is part of the Navy’s transition to modern, digital systems that will enable the Navy to meet the demands of future maritime missions.