Raytheon Anschuetz, a German based, indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Raytheon, in partnership with Italian marine automation provider Seastema, has been selected to deliver Integrated Bridge and Navigation Systems (IBNS) for two Italian Coast Guard military patrol vessels. The vessels are currently being built at Fincantieri's Castellammare di Stabia (Naples) shipyard.

Delivery of the IBNS will be the first military application under a teaming agreement between Raytheon Anschuetz and Seastema. Together, the companies will provide Italy's Coast Guard patrol vessels with the latest generation IBNS, fully integrated with Seastema's SEAS-Navy ship automation system.

Having successfully delivered advanced bridge systems to the commercial mega yacht market, the Anschuetz-Seastema team is delivering fully integrated automation and navigation functionality to military vessels.

The integrated bridge system will include features such as solid-state and conventional radars, electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS), and one multifunctional workstation for access to ECDIS and ship control data (conning), as well as the adaptive trackpilot and a full package of navigation sensors.

In addition to the SEAS-Navy ship automation system, Seastema also provides advanced radar processors, a thermal imaging system, and an advanced imaging processing feature that enables registering and off-line analysis. A 55-inch touch screen for the tactical room completes the command and control system deliverables from Seastema.

"Proven and deployed on commercial vessels, the IBNS are scalable and adaptable to meet the needs and requirements of military applications for large and small naval platforms, designed to increase efficiency in operation and offer customization, such as control of any function from any place," said Lueder Hogrefe, general manager of Raytheon Anschuetz.

"Together with Seastema, we integrate the core ship electronics systems in a standardized but flexible manner to satisfy operational requirements of different missions and navies."

Features and Benefits
The latest version of Raytheon Anschuetz's IBNS features a new wide-screen, scalable multifunctional workstation. The high degree of integration, a standardized human machine interface and increased functionality of the bridge workstations empower crew to operate from any workplace on the bridge and make the bridge system ideally suited for vessels with small crew sizes.

A consistent system design and the use of standard hardware provide a high level of flexibility to adapt the bridge system to various mission and naval requirements. The design and components also help to reduce costs associated with engineering, logistics, spares and technical support.