Page 38: of Marine News Magazine (April 2023)

37 39

Tech File

Bridge Design

Navy Taps Digital Tools for

Frigate Bridge Design

The U.S. Navy is leveraging state-of-the-art digital technologies to improve features on board its newest warship class

Constellation class frigate (FFG) principals from across industry partners, and the eventual ? eet operators.

the surface Navy force, Naval Sea Systems Command en- “Shipbuilding is hard, and shipbuilding is a team sport,” gineering directorate and program of? ces, and industry said Capt. Kevin Smith, Constellation class frigate pro- gathered at the Mariner Skills Training Center Paci? c in gram manager. “By providing the forum and the tools to

San Diego, in February to demonstrate the value of digital receive and incorporate feedback, we are able to expand tools for providing real-time design feedback of the future the program’s reach and the depth of experience to ensure

Constellation class (FFG 62) pilot house arrangements. we deliver a world-class warship with world-class safety in

By reutilizing design artifacts, the Constellation class frig- navigation and operation.” ate program of? ce constructed a live, virtual bridge envi- The Navy said its frigate program of? ce is undertaking ronment to provide the ? rst glimpses into the general pilot a transformational approach to ship design, production house arrangements and how crews will interact with those and sustainment. arrangements under differing watchstanding conditions. “Within the program of? ce, we recognize that the data

Post-command representatives from in-service surface ship we generate from day one has a purpose and utility that classes, including Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) and Zumwalt will be carried through the life of the program,” said Jonas (DDG 1000) class guided missile destroyers, San Antonio Brown, director of product support and readiness for the class amphibious transport docks (LPD 17), and Freedom frigate program. “This event was a showcase that demon- variant littoral combat ships (LCS), conducted the bridge strates how we connect detail design and production arti- validation event to gather design and operational feedback. facts together with manpower, training and sustainment

According to the Navy, the event shows the continuing concepts to create a digital engineering capability that partnership between the FFG acquisition community, its modernizes Navy shipbuilding processes.”

As the program matures, the expansion of digital offer- ings will include design, production, test and logistics sup-

U.S. Navy rendering of behind the aft navigation port information, ultimately setting the roadmap for the console on the FFG 62 model. management of lifecycle data and a virtual model through- out the entire service life of the frigates.

The Constellation class frigates is being built at Fincan- tieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin, and will deliver in 2026. The builder of? cially commenced construction on the series’ ? rst vessel in August 2022.

Program Executive Of? ce, Unmanned and Small Com- batants (PEO USC) oversees the Constellation Class Frigate program of? ce (PMS 515) charged with the design, devel- opment and construction of the Navy’s newest warship class.

U.S. Navy 38 | MN April 2023