Navigation radar with electronic charts

Northrop Grumman Corp. in Charlottesville, Va., introduced a new generation of commercial navigation radars incorporating electronic charts. The new VisionMaster FT products represent a new series of integrated navigation systems from the Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine business unit in New Malden, England. The VisionMaster FT Chart Radar provides the navigator with a seamless integration of radar and chart functionality. Combining approved vector-format digital charts with the radar picture enhances situation awareness for watchstanders. The operator can select the desired density of chart information to be shown on the screen, ranging from a simplified presentation of shoreline and navigation to a 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. The VisionMaster FT products incorporate automatic clutter-suppression technology, enabling the operator to detect and track weak radar targets in clutter. The VisionMaster FT displays are 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. More information is online at www.sperrymarine.northropgrumman.com.