Litton Industries of California has combined the leadership, product development, sales and service functions of Sperry Marine, Decca Marine and C. Plath to create one trade name - Litton Marine Systems. The above three companies merged in the autumn of 1997. Each with significant technology and manufacturing capabilities, they have joined forces to create a single reliable source for marine product lines manufactured at all three locations. The products are a result of consolidating the best achievements of all three entities. Each has made historical contributions to marine electronics and to the marine marketplace. Today, Litton Marine Systems is renowned as a one-source provider in marine electronics.

　

　

Following the merger of Sperry Marine, Decca Marine and C. Plath under Litton Industries in the autumn of 1997, Litton Marine Systems (LMS) now combines the histories of these three brands with the latest in research and development. (The brand names still exist for recognition/convenience purposes.)

Litton Marine Systems has been a subsidiary of California-based Northrup Grumman since April 2001.

　

　

Decca Marine is a direct descendant of the famous Decca Company, which was first established in England before the First World War manufacturing gramophones and, subsequently, gramophone records under the Decca label. The move into the marine industry came during the Second World War when the company developed the Decca Navigation System, which was first used on D-Day to assist the allied minesweepers and troopships. The system was introduced as the first commercial radio navigation anywhere in the world during 1946. Decca Radar, launched its first marine radar, the 159, in 1950 and has been at the forefront of marine radar technology ever since. Decca was responsible for the first true motion radar, the first anti-collision radar and the first "Type Approved" colour radar. Today, Decca Marine produces a comprehensive range of type approved radars known as BridgeMaster as well as navigation systems, machinery monitoring and control systems and products designed specifically for the worldwide fishing markets.

　

　

Sperry Marine started in the United States in 1910, when Elmer A. Sperry(1869-1930), inventor of the gyroscope, founded the Sperry Gyroscope Company. Sperry experienced great success in supplying his gyrocompass invention to the U.S. Navy during the 1930s. In subsequent years, the company developed gyroscopes and numerous other navigation products for large commercial ocean-going vessels and aircraft. After several transitions of ownership, Sperry expanded into manufacturing an array of navigation products and built its 250,000 sq. ft. factory in Charlottesville, Virginia. Today, Sperry Marine provides marine electronics to commercial and defence markets. Product lines include a modern line of integrated bridge systems, voyage management systems, ECDIS, steering control systems, Gyrofin® stabilisers, gyrocompasses, speed logs, communication systems and marine management systems.

　

　

C. Plath, the oldest of the three companies, was first established in Hamburg, Germany in 1837. The first decades of the firm were spent as a small nautical instrument trading business and in the production of sextants. In 1862 Carl C. Plath broadened the base of the business to the production of barometers and a variety of compass types. By the late 1800s C. Plath had developed a modern line of magnetic compasses and nautical instruments. In the early and mid 1900s C. Plath advanced into gyrocompasses and has been making constant technological advances ever since, bringing today's market a series of gyrocompasses, fibre-optic gyrocompasses, autopilots, adaptive autopilots, compass monitor systems, universal digital repeaters, electric main steering systems, speed logs and marine accessories.

There are 1400 staff in total working for LMS, 250 of whom work in the UK. There is a company intranet in place, connecting all LMS offices worldwide. This has developed over the past four years or so, and although there were some initial difficulties, it is now quite successful. LMS in the UK also takes care of Australia, New Zealand, Africa and the Middle East.

　

The headquarters of Litton Marine Systems is based in Virginia, USA, which also serves as the production facilities for Sperry Marine products. Decca products are manufactured at New Malden in the UK, and C. Plath products are manufactured at Hamburg in Germany. As for sales, one department deals with the sales of all three brands. The contact details of the aforementioned LMS offices in the US and Germany are as follows:

　

United States:

Litton Marine Systems

(Home of Sperry Marine Products)

1070 Seminole Trail

Charlottesville, Virginia

22901-2891 USA

Tel: 804 974 2000

Fax: 804 974 2259

Website: www.litton-marine.com

　

Germany:

Litton Marine Systems

(Home of C. Plath Products)

Stueckenstrasse 1-3

D-22081 Hamburg

Germany

Tel: +49 40 299 00 0

Fax: +49 40 299 00 298

Website: www.litton-marine.com

　

Litton Marine Systems has been a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman since April 2001. Northrop Grumman, which is also based in California, provides an array of technologies and core competencies to military and commercial markets, principally as a leading defence electronics, systems integration, and information technology company that retains strong capabilities in military aircraft systems and modifications, and marine systems. Northrop Grumman also has a cooperation deal with Rolls-Royce.

Since Litton Marine Systems became a subsidiary of Northrup Grumman, there have not been any major changes to the corporate structure in the short term, but some senior-level changes are expected in the long run.

　

　

No concrete financial data has been obtained from Litton Marine Systems itself, however, based on Litton Industries 2000 2nd Quarter Report, Litton Ship Systems(the precursor to Litton Marine Systems)posted turnover of $485 million⁵(61 billion yen), which was largely due to the acquisition of Avondale⁶.

　

It is estimated that 50% of the revenue of Litton Marine Systems comes from the defence industry and the other 50% from sales of commercial products.

　

Litton Marine Systems offers proven technology tested in the marketplace with commercial navigation equipment needs met for all types and sizes of vessels, including the newest high-speed craft. Litton Marine Systems product groups range from integrated navigation, vessel traffic systems, radars, gyrocompasses, communications, speed logs, autopilots and steering control systems, stabilisers to GPS, wind trackers and night vision systems. Listed below are the main products of this company.

　

　

Litton Marine Systems radar capability is based on the world-beating BridgeMaster Series of type approved radar. The range includes radars suitable for commercial vessels of every type, size and class. In addition, the company supplies radars to many of the world's major navies including the United States Navy, the Royal Navy and the French Navy.

　

LMS radars are available as stand alone units, as part of an interswitched radar system or a part of a complete integrated bridge system(IBS). This comprehensive radar capability allows the company to meet virtually all radar needs either in the newbuilding market or for retrofit.(As many as 60% to 70% of radars are for the retrofit business.) 16-inch radars made by LMS are particularly popular products.

　

　

The Litton Marine System's navigation station is often at the heart of a Litton Marine System's integrated bridge system interfacing with the ship's radars, navigation sensors, communications systems and autopilot to provide watchkeeping officers with real time navigation and status data. This capability ensures own ship safety and maximises operating efficiency.

　

Of particular interest is the on-going 'Smart Ship' programme between Litton Marine Systems and the US Navy centred around the company's military IBS capability. Development work on the integrated bridge systems continues and the company has recently unveiled a new concept for the next generation of IBS using high resolution flat-panel, multi-function displays which will result in significant savings in both space and weight. Both will be major advantages in small, fast patrol craft. A typical integrated bridge system will incorporate the ship's radars, an electronic chart system, log, gyro, communications and an autopilot. The Litton Marine Systems IBS has the ability to apply its track control capability to the autopilot allowing the hands-off steering of the ship if required.

　

The IBS system has earned the DNV Watch-1 Certification for its Automatic Navigation Track-Keeping System(ANTS)which provides the added safety benefit of continuous monitoring of the vessel's advance and calculation of the heading order and automatically maintaining the vessel on its planned track. The system is also recognised by DNV for its Universal Chart Management system reading the widest range of ECDIS and RASTER charts available today.

　

　

An integral part of the IBS is the electronic chart system which, with ECDIS, is fast becoming a major part of ships' navigation packages. The Litton Marine Systems Voyage Movement System(VMS)navigation station has the ability to display and manage approved vectorised data such as that produced for ECDIS systems by, for example, the UK Hydrographic Office. It can also display rasterscan charts from approved hydrographic sources including NIMA and the UK Hydrographic Office. Litton Marine Systems is under contract from the United States Government to develop a direct reader for NIMA charts.

　

The VMS Navigation Station also allows complex passage/patrols to be pre-planned and monitored during execution to ensure that ownship maintains track.

　

　

For the commercial market, Litton Marine Systems suite of six available models of gyrocompass meets the needs of every type and size of vessel. All have proven to have superior operational performance through testing and demonstrated success in the marketplace. The SR 2100 Fibre-Optic Gyrocompass and Attitude Reference System received the 1997 Seatrade Award for Innovation. The SR 2100 is the first solid-state, fully electronic digital gyrocompass system for marine application in strap down technology. It was designed for integrated bridges and high-speed vessels. Complete lines of gyrocompass accessories are available from LMS as well.

　

　

Litton Marine Systems has recently introduced a new alarm, monitoring and control system. Called the ISIS 2500, the system has been developed from the highly successful ISIS 250 and is based on over 30 years experience in the field of machinery monitoring and control on warships of all types and size.

　

ISIS 2500 brings a new dimension to machinery monitoring by providing an extensive condition assessment capability allowing a ship's engineering staff to detect developing faults before they become serious and expensive. The system, which is based on the Windows NT 32-bit operating system, provides the operator with superb graphics which can be supplied with the system or generated/modified by the ship's own staff, and which can be animated if required. ISIS 2500 also generates and monitors machinery performance curves, provides comprehensive trend analysis, vibration analysis and expert analysis of fault conditions.

　

　

Regulations set forth by the IMO for marine communications make GMDSS systems a required component of the bridge. LMS supplies a full range of user-friendly satellite communications equipment and full GMDSS communications stations meeting all IMO requirements and customer specifications for installation. LMS has a close relationship with SP Radio.

　

　

Recently, LMS has made significant headway in speed log developments. LMS has long been producing single and dual axis speed logs for commercial and military uses, however, the latest dual axis speed log, the SRD 500, far exceeds the accuracy of other available speed logs. The SRD 500 extends beyond traditional speed log uses of feeding steering and ARPA with speed information. Its high precision measuring at low speeds is not only useful for docking and manoeuvring through restricted waters but has found new uses in current profiling. Its ability to do current profiling enables dredgers and other specialised vessel operators to have information about different layers of water currents flowing beneath the vessel. A clear assessment of underwater conditions provides for safer underwater activities.

　

　

Litton Marine Systems produces steering control systems for multiple steering applications. The most advanced system provides for automatic steering guided by replanned voyage routes. This autopilot function is integrated with the Automatic Navigation Track-Keeping System(ANTS), resulting in fuel savings and extended machinery life cycles.

　

　

Active in producing fin stabilising systems since the early 1950s, today's designs include hydraulic actuation and high-grade steel construction. Litton Marine Systems fins are smaller than ever and can handle higher loads. First constructed for the U.S. Navy, fins are now a critical element for safe transportation on passenger and Ro-Ro ferries, cruise ships and cargo ships around the world. LMS Gyrofins^(R)are manufactured in Japan, and occupy 50% of the market share there. (The best customer for Gyrofins^(R)is Mitsubishi.)

　

　

Litton Marine Systems has a comprehensive capability in night vision systems encompassing both infrared and image intensification technologies. Both technologies have been developed specifically for the marine market and are especially good at detecting small targets that are not good radar reflectors such as fibreglass boats and small icebergs.

　

The AMIRIS(Advanced Maritime InfraRed Imaging System)operates in the three to five micron wavelength, which is known to give superior performance and provide excellent 'visibility' even in 'wet' conditions. The infrared picture may be output to a suitable recording device for later replay and analysis. It may also be fitted with an eyesafe laser rangefinder. There are three image intensification systems available ranging from dedicated military systems to commercial systems that meet the stringent demands of the IMO code for high-speed craft. All Litton Marine Systems night vision systems may be mounted on a stabilised platform if required.

　

　

Throughout the history of Decca Marine it has maintained a specialist group engaged in Naval and Harbour Surveillance Radar System work. This comprises a sales and technical team dedicated to the design, development, manufacture and marketing of systems to meet the requirements of the end-user. The group designs, manufactures and installs coastal, port VTS, offshore radar systems and vehicle-mounted systems worldwide. Current specialised equipment include 4 ft to 25ft X-band antenna systems, 9ft and 12ft S-band antennas, a choice of single or dual configured transceivers, radar and electronic chart display systems such as the VTS Master, BridgeMaster E, the new BridgeMaster E Tactical Display and ChartMaster. Of particular interest to Harbour and Coastal surveillance authorities is the capability in remoting the radar information utilising telephone quality landlines, VHF/UHF radio, microwave links or fibre optic cable. All these methods are within the scope and supply of Litton Marine Systems.

　

In excess of 500 Litton Marine Systems surveillance radar systems have been supplied over the last forty-three years.

　

　

The Litton Marine Systems expanded service network provides installation, repair, and spare part replacements worldwide. There are spare part warehouse locations and the Spare Parts Exchange Program(SPEX)gives a fully warranted replacement unit whenever it is needed. Spare parts activities are centralised in the Netherlands. LMS has a round-the-clock response system so there is access to a factory trained field service engineer at a moment's notice. These highly trained technicians are ready to trouble shoot and repair any problems quickly. LMS has 450 service stations worldwide, although the capabilities of these stations vary according to region. However, as all calls are relayed to one of three offices(US, Europe and Asia)in three different time zones, vessels can be best advised according to their requirements.

　

The service programme for Litton Marine Systems customers has improved since the merger of Sperry, Decca and C. Plath. With premises in New Malden(England), Hamburg(Germany)and Charlottesville(USA), Litton Marine Systems has a team of marketing and contract personnel, project managers, systems and design engineers, systems analysts and field engineers fully supported by a comprehensive manufacturing and operations function. This includes system test and integration facilities, drawing office and all the administrative, financial and commercial support consistent with the successful operation of a professional organisation.

　

The following addresses in Japan are of representatives used to service and maintain equipment or to supply spares:

　

Tokyo:

Litton Marine Systems Asia Inc.

Tel: +81 03 3863 7401

Fax: +81 03 3863 7455

Kuga Building

11-6 Kuramae 4-Chome

Taito-Ku, Tokyo 111 Japan

　

Fukuoka:

SENA Co. Ltd

Tel: +81 92 711 1451

Fax: +81 92 711 1476

　

Kobe:

SENA Co. Ltd

Tel: +81 78 331 7292

Fax: +81 78 331 7381

　

Yokohama:

SENA Co. Ltd

Tel: +81 45 903 5336

Fax: +81 45 901 7488

1-2, 2-Chome, Ekoda

Aoba-ku, Yokohama

225 Japan

　

　

LMS has a distinct advantage over other marine electronics suppliers in that it can provide all equipment and integration from a single source supplier. This approach is by far the typical approach that involves various types of equipment from different manufacturers. The LMS "one source" approach ensures smooth integration of compatible components and security in knowing they will perform in a safe and reliable way.

　

LMS regards itself as a "cash-positive company", in the sense that there is a constant cash-flow from sales of commercial products. It also prides itself on the so-called "3 Ds": Dollars, Documentation and Delivery. The LMS VDR, with its IMO-compliant protective memory, can be attached to any ship machinery and installed on vessels.

　

LMS believes that their new C Plath Gyrofin® is set to be widely used as it settles very easily and no maintenance is required.

　

According to LMS, it is usually the favoured company for the Royal Navy, but as their technology is sometimes too advanced, contracts can be awarded to Kelvin Hughes.

　

　

Not much information was gained on the future investment policy of Litton Marine Systems, except that they are currently expressing a great deal of interest in anti-piracy detection equipment.

　

　

　

As far as technical cooperation is concerned, LMS has a good relationship with MHI, IHI and Mitsui. LMS also has a close relationship with Tokimec Inc.

　

LMS worked with the American software company, Texas Instruments Inc., to develop the ISIS 2500. This was not only for the monitoring, but also for the management system. Regarding communications technology, LMS has a close relationship with SP Radio.