Northrop Grumman to provide C4ISR systems for new U.S. Coast Guard vessels

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Northrop Grumman has been tapped to design C4ISR and machinery control systems for the U.S. Coast Guard's new Offshore Patrol Cutters.

The Coast Guard's Offshore Patrol Cutter program aims to replace aging vessels with new ships equipped with enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance technology. The ships will also feature improved electronics and larger flight decks. The service considers the project to be its highest investment priority.

Under the contract, Northrop Grumman will design bridge systems, navigation and combat data distribution systems, command and control consoles, ship-wide computer network systems, and machinery and propulsion control systems.

"Our suite of integrated C4ISR and machinery control systems will provide the Coast Guard the long-term offshore capability needed to perform Coast Guard missions," Northrop Grumman maritime systems official Todd Leavitt explained in a press release. "This high priority investment will allow the Coast Guard to affordably and efficiently modernize the fleet, while extending their existing capabilities and effectively addressing the changing needs of their missions."

Northrop Grumman is tasked with integrating its designs at its facility in Charlottesville, Va.. Additional work is expected to be done in San Diego, Calif., and Ocean Springs, Miss.