USCG awards polar ice breaker navigation support contract to Northrop

The US Coast Guard has awarded a contract to Northrop Grumman to provide navigation systems and software to support the polar ice breakers.

Under the $5m five-year contract, Northrop will supply hardware configuration management, remote technical support and training classes for two Coast Guard vessels, the Polar Star (WAGB 10) and the Healy (WAGB-20).

Northrop Grumman Maritime Systems business unit vice president Bill Hannon said the company has provided quality long-term navigation systems and support for the Coast Guard’s polar ice breakers for 14 years.

"This new support contract, which covers direct installs, field testing and personnel training, will allow us to keep ahead of the navigation and training needs for these critical vessels," Hannon added.

Northrop will also participate in the maintenance grooms performed before polar deployment on the two ice breakers.

The maintenance grooms include tuning integrated bridge system (IBS) equipment, upgrading autopilots, adjusting tolerances, enhancing software and replacing parts as needed for maximum system performance.

Work on the IBS hardware and related equipment will be carried out in Charlottesville, followed by installation and field testing directly on the ships.

The company is scheduled to begin work on the Polar Star this month and on the Healy in the summer of 2014.

The USCG’s polar ice breakers have been designed to clear pathways for supply ships and support research missions.

Image: US Coast Guard cutter Healy conducting mission. Photo: U.S. Coast Guard/DoD.