CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - The Naval Sea Systems Command has awarded a full-rate production contract to Litton Marine Systems for the new-generation AN/WSN-7B ring laser gyro systems.

The initial contract award, valued at $9.9 million, calls for delivery of 35 AN/WSN-7B systems, plus spares and technical support. The total value of the contract, including options, will exceed $30 million over three years.

The AN/WSN-7B is a state-of-the-art ring laser gyro system, which is intended to provide a form, fit and function replacement for the aging AN/WSN-2 gyrocompass on U.S. Navy submarines and surface ships. The first AN/WSN-7B system was fitted on the nuclear attack submarine USS JIMMY CARTER (SSN-23) earlier this year under a low-rate initial production contract.

Ron Jenkins, program manager for the AN/WSN-7B, observed that the new-technology system can replace the AN/WSN-2, AN/WSN-5 and LSN-500 series of inertial navigation systems, which are widely deployed among international navies, as well as the Sperry Marine MK19 and MK29 gyrocompasses. "The new ring laser gyro technology represents a major improvement over the older systems. With no moving parts, the systems are virtually maintenance-free, resulting in dramatic reductions in life-cycle costs."

John DeMaso, vice president and general manager for Litton Marine Systems, stated: "This important contract validates Litton's position as the world leader in ring laser gyro technology."

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 is the nation's largest builder of non-nuclear ships for the U.S. Navy and designs, builds, and overhauls surface ships for government and commercial customers worldwide. The company is a leading information technology (IT) contractor to the U.S. government and provides specialized IT services to commercial customers and government customers in local/foreign jurisdictions. Litton is a leading provider of defense and commercial electronics technology, components and materials for customers worldwide. Headquartered in Woodland Hills, California, Litton has more than 40,000 employees and $5 billion in annual revenue. For more information, visit Litton's Web site at www.litton.com.