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NZ frigates getting new inertial navigation suites

ANZAC-class frigates of the Royal New Zealand Navy are to be upgraded with new navigation suites from Northrop Grumman.

By Richard Tomkins
A New Zealand ANZAC-class frigate during a multi-national operation. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class N. Brett Morton
A New Zealand ANZAC-class frigate during a multi-national operation. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class N. Brett Morton

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Navigation suites on ANZAC-class frigates of the Royal New Zealand Navy are to be replaced with new units by Northrop Grumman.

The new inertial navigation suites -- fourth generation MK39s -- feature an embedded data distribution system. They are also lighter and smaller than the MK49 units they are replacing and have auto-select features that ensure highest quality data.

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"Northrop Grumman is pleased to have been awarded a contract by the New Zealand Ministry of Defense for this crucial upgrade to the Royal New Zealand Navy's frigates," said Todd Leavitt, vice president of maritime systems, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems. "This dependable suite combines our latest navigation technology and data distribution capabilities, which include secure network communications capable of transmitting time-corrected data with low senescence.

"This capability will significantly improve the warfighter's ability to react to potential threats and increase safety at sea."

Under the award, Northrop Grumman will upgrade the inertial navigational suites on two ships. Other contract details, such as monetary value and performance period, were not disclosed.

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