Navy Replaces Touchscreen Helm Controls With Physical Knobs After Fatal Crash
Following a deadly 2017 collision involving the USS John S. McCain, the Navy removes complex touchscreens from its destroyers in favor of traditional mechanical throttles. Investigators find that poor training and overly complicated digital interfaces cause sailors to lose control of the vessel.
The Navy abandons complex touchscreen controls on its destroyers after a tragic 2017 collision between the USS John S. McCain and an oil tanker kills ten sailors. A recent National Transportation Safety Board investigation reveals that the digital helm interface, designed by Northrop Grumman, confuses the crew and directly contributes to the accident.
Investigators determine that overly complex software causes a sailor to mistakenly believe he controls the ship's entire throttle, when in reality he only operates one side. This critical misunderstanding forces the destroyer into a sharp turn directly into the path of the oncoming tanker, highlighting a fundamental lack of training and documentation for the system.
Navy Rear Admiral Bill Galinis admits that the military makes the helm control system overly complex by placing touch screens under glass. Emphasizing that just because the military can build a digital interface does not mean it should, the Navy removes these digital systems and reinstates traditional physical throttles and dials.