MANASSAS, Va., 24 Dec. 2006. The Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors segment in Manassas, Va., won a $644 million contract for AN/SSN-2(V)5 navigation command and control (NAVC2) precise integrated navigation systems for U.S. Navy Avenger-class (MCM 1) mine countermeasures ships.
The NAVC2 system is a major upgrade to the combat and navigation system for Avenger-class ships. It is an open-architecture system that supports future major combat stem upgrades to MCM-1 class ships and electronic chart and information display system-Navy capability.
Comprising commercial satellite navigation, Loran C, Hyper-Fix, and a Doppler sonar navigator that is integrated and controlled by dedicated MCM software, the NAVC2 provides the means to locate the ship and the target precisely.
The system maintains and displays the ship's track, and integrates the target mine information into the navigation plot. The computer-controlled navigation process can select the most accurate of the several navigational inputs available.
Avenger class ships are mine hunter-killers capable of finding, classifying, and destroying moored and bottom mines. The ships perform precise navigation and clear mine fields by sweeping moored, magnetic, and acoustic mines. The MCM 1 also conducts coordinated operations with airborne and other mine countermeasure forces.
The ships use sonar and video systems, cable cutters, and a mine-detonating device that can be released and detonated by remote control. They are also capable of conventional sweeping measures. The ships are constructed of wood covered with glass-reinforced plastic sheathing.
