New Generation Chart Radar

Northrop Grumman Corporation has introduced a new generation of commercial navigation radar incorporating electronic charts. The new VisionMaster FT are the first of a new series of highly integrated navigation solutions being developed by Northrop Grumman’s Sperry Marine business unit at its commercial marine headquarters in New Malden, United Kingdom. The VisionMaster FT Chart Radar provides the navigator with seamless integration of radar and chart functionality. Combining approved vector-format digital charts with the radar picture enhances situation awareness for watch-standers. The operator can select the desired density of chart information to be shown on the screen, ranging from simplified presentation of shoreline and navigation to full-chart display mode. The digital charts, as well as chart updates and system upgrades can be uploaded through a standard DVD reader or USB connection. Like the BridgeMaster radar, the VisionMaster FT products incorporate as standard advanced automatic clutter-suppression technology, enabling the operator to detect and track weak radar targets in clutter. The new systems are fully compliant with current international type-approval standards for radar, chart radar and automatic radar plotting aids, and have been designed with a simple upgrade path to meet emerging standards expected to come into effect after 2008. The displays are fully compatible with BridgeMaster E X- and S-band antennas and transceiver configurations, making it easy to integrate or retrofit the new technology on existing BridgeMaster E installations.