Zero maintenance solid state units are compatible with Sperry’s networked heading management system and come with a five-year warranty

Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine has announced the launch of NAVIGAT 2500 and 3500, its next generation high accuracy, maintenance-free Fiber Optic Gyro (FOG) compasses.

Suitable for all types of vessels, the NAVIGAT family of compasses provide superior heading measurement in all kinds of dynamic conditions with compatibility to Sperry Marine CompassNet, the industry’s first networked heading management system.

“In today’s turbulent shipping markets, it is more important than ever to keep your course and have immediate access to information that could affect vessel safety,” says Sperry Marine Managing Director James Collet. “The evolution of the NAVIGAT series of compass products demonstrates our commitment to providing the very best in robust, reliable technology to our customers around the world.”

NAVIGAT 2500 and NAVIGAT 3500 are based on solid-state technology with no moving parts, offering compact size and low weight. Their very high ‘mean time between failures’ of 150,000 hours and no annual maintenance means very low total cost of ownership and has enabled Sperry Marine to offer a five year warranty on new NAVIGAT FOG units.

The units have rapid alignment time once installed and unlike HRG compasses whose performance in harsh environments can become degraded over time, NAVIGAT FOG compasses have no moving parts and provide a higher level of long term accuracy, especially for heading, roll/pitch, rate of turn and heave.

“NAVIGAT FOG compasses are unique in that they can be used straight ‘out-of-the-box’ with simple installation, very short alignment time and no subsequent need for maintenance,” adds Sperry Marine Product Line Manager, Compass, Speed Log and Steering Sandra Gassig. “It’s very rare that such essential navigation equipment is so easy to set up and use, meaning navigators can focus on key tasks on the bridge with confidence in their compass.”

NAVIGAT 2500 and 3500 are fully compatible with CompassNet, the industry’s first networked heading management system. With simplified cabling, rapid installation and increased redundancy, CompassNet supports easier integration with existing sensors and third party equipment with reduced installation time and a phased upgrade path.

FOG Compasses have been used in defence applications for many years to satisfy the most demanding needs for accuracy of positioning, but despite being some of the highest quality navigation systems available, not all NAVIGAT FOG Compasses are subject to export control. If required, Sperry Marine will take care of export licence formalities on the client’s behalf so compliance paperwork is kept to an absolute minimum.