WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., July 14, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- US Airways has selected Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) latest air data inertial reference unit (ADIRU) for its new Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft.
"The dependability of our LTN-101E ADIRU was an important consideration for US Airways," said Jim Myers, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman's Navigation Systems Division. "It provides the aircraft with high dispatch reliability and lower cost of ownership demanded by today's carriers."
Northrop Grumman's LTN-101E inertial reference unit replaces ring-laser gyro technology with fiber-optic gyros and micro-electro mechanical systems silicon accelerometers that are more reliable and easier to maintain. Enhancements over its predecessor, the LTN-101, include a more than 50 percent reduction in electronic modules, faster processors, and a new interface bus that speeds data transfer within the aircraft.
The LTN-101E has the same form factor as its predecessor, and is interchangeable and intermixable with the LTN-101. More than 6,000 LTN-101 units are in operation with airlines around the globe.
Both the LTN-101 and the LTN-101E employ the patented AIME(tm) algorithm that integrates inertial and GPS measurements to provide highly accurate aircraft position. An advanced AIME(tm) algorithm for the LTN-101E is also in development and is in flight testing.
"The new AIME(tm) will be an integral part of cutting edge landing systems that are designed to allow safe and accurate landings in conditions of reduced visibility at airports with little or no ground infra-structure," said Jim Govostes, director of business development at Northrop Grumman's Navigation Systems Division. "These operational benefits will lead to additional cost savings for the airlines."
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.