OSI Maritime Systems (OSI) is pleased to announce the recent finalization of two significant contracts with BAE Systems Submarines (BAE). These contracts encompass the ongoing support for Astute Class SSNs and the provision of future navigation capabilities for the UK’s Dreadnought Class of SSBNs. The Astute Class stands as the Royal Navy’s largest and most advanced attack submarine ever constructed. Notable for various technological breakthroughs, the Class is the first Royal Navy submarine without optical periscopes, utilizing high-spec video technology instead. Furthermore, the submarine will be the quietest ever made and equipped with world-leading sensors, carrying Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles (TLAM) and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes. With a length of 97 meters, the Astute-class submarines can circumnavigate the globe submerged, generating their own oxygen and drinking water.
Jim Davison, VP, Business Development, added, “ECPINS is the trusted WECDIS solution fleetwide across the Royal Navy and on two flagship submarine classes, including the UK’s Strategic Ballistic Missile submarines; this cannot be overstated. Independently certified against NATO WECDIS STANAG 4564, ECPINS stands as the only truly third-party certified naval navigation solution. Operational on eighteen classes of submarines, ECPINS is deployed on board submarines with the navies of the UK, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden,and Taiwan.”
Ken Kirkpatrick, President & CEO, stated, “We are proud to be working with BAE, recognized as the best-in-class for their submarine expertise. The Astute and Dreadnought Classes epitomize cutting-edge submarine technology. As part of it, OSI’s navigation systems will play a pivotal role in supporting the operations of some of the world’s most sophisticated submarines.
The Dreadnought Class, once built, will be the Royal Navy’s largest, most powerful, and technically advanced submarine. Set to enter service in the early 2030s, this Class represents the most significant defence project in the UK, incorporating unprecedented levels of innovation, technology, and collaboration. Each submarine, measuring 153.6 meters, exceeds the length of three Olympic-sized swimming pools.
OSI’s ECPINS forms the cornerstone of the submarines’ navigation system. Embedded in ECPINS are capabilities designed for navigating in harsh subsurface environments. In high-tempo tactical situations, submarines need to minimize their above-water signature, restricting the use of sensors such as GPS. Through advanced algorithmic calculations, ECPINS’ groundbreaking Dived Navigation methodology and techniques minimize reliance on sensors, allowing the submarine to remain undetectable for longer, thereby retaining its full tactical advantage.
