OSI Maritime to provide navigation systems for German Navy’s frigates

Canada-based navigation solution provider OSI Maritime Systems (OSI) has been selected by Damen Naval to provide a navigation suite to the German Navy’s F126 program.

The contract includes integrated bridge management systems (IBMS) for the frigates and land-based test and training sites (Landanlage), all powered by electronic chart precise integrated navigation system (ECPINS).

The ECPINS consists of versions for surface ships, submarines and high-speed small craft, enabling fleet commonality, interoperability and reduced maintenance and training costs, according to the company.

In addition, ECPINS and OSI’s IBMS technology allows for integration into an array of other warship systems. As part of this program, the IBMS will be integrated into the Thales TACTICOS management system and provide the position navigation and time (PNT) for all the F126 systems and networks.

Already 80% compliant to STANAG 4564 Edition 3, ECPINS is on a funded development track to full compliance.

“The system design will share the same commonality, scalability, and ECPINS navigation performance with that of other NATO and Allied customers,” said Ken Kirkpatrick, President and CEO. 

“ECPINS pilotage features are all based upon the Royal Navy BR45 Navigation series and are employed by the majority of NATO and close Allied navies,” Jim Davison, VP Business Development added.

“ECPINS also provides powerful operational benefits such as a military-grade chart engine, advanced automatic Pool of Errors, GNSS Denied and Tactical Data Sharing between Surface ships and small craft ECPINS.”

Meanwhile, Damen Naval and the Hamburg Ship Model Basin (HSVA) have signed a contract for comprehensive cooperation relating to hydrodynamic optimisation and the execution of an extensive series of model tests for the German Navy’s new F126.