CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Litton Marine Systems has introduced a new IMO-compliant vessel traffic system (VTS) for locks, bridges, ports and coastal waters.

Litton's new VTS-Master-W is a new system utilizing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and proprietary software running under Windows-98/NT. It is based on Litton's unique VTS-Master technology, which permits real-time remote display of raw video data from shore-based surveillance radars superimposed on geographical maps of the area.

"The fourth-generation VTS-Master-W represents an important improvement over previous systems in terms of cost and functionality, taking advantage of advances in data compression and video presentation technology," stated Arjan Gerretsen, commercial manager of Litton Marine Systems BV in Rotterdam. "The upgraded system is designed in such a way that older Disco, TeleDisco and VTS-Master MK I systems can easily be upgraded to the new, more powerful Windows-NT based package."

The modular VTS-Master-W system is of a flexible design and can be expanded from a basic low-cost radar-based traffic observation system into a comprehensive vessel traffic management information system (VTMIS) with multiple radar transceivers and monitoring stations networked via fiber optic cables, telephone lines or VHF/UHF channels. Litton provides a total turnkey package that includes system design, supply and installation of remote radar stations, monitoring stations and networking, as well as training and maintenance.

Litton Marine Systems BV Holland, formerly International Navigation Aids (INA), has been a pioneer in VTS technology for more than 20 years. The company has deployed over 300 systems around the world for small- and medium-sized VTS and coastal surveillance applications since the introduction of the optical scanconverter and later the first Disco system in the early eighties.

Litton Marine Systems Inc. (LMS) is a subsidiary of Litton Industries Inc. LMS was formed from the consolidation of Sperry Marine (Charlottesville, Virginia, USA), Decca Marine (New Malden, UK) and C. Plath (Hamburg, Germany). LMS manufactures and markets products under the Sperry, Decca and C. Plath brand names. With offices in 19 countries and authorized service depots in more than 300 locations worldwide, LMS provides "One Source" for marine navigation, communication and information systems, products and service.

Litton Industries, headquartered in Woodland Hills, California, is a $4.4 billion diversified technology company with over 40,000 employees worldwide. The company is a leader in navigation; guidance and control; electronic warfare; command, control and communications systems; information technology and shipbuilding and overhaul for government and commercial markets worldwide. Litton's Ingalls and Avondale shipyards together make up the largest builder of non-nuclear ships for the U.S. Navy and other customers.