Northrop Grumman's New LCR-100 AHRS Achieves Flight Certification


FREIBURG, Germany, Oct. 3, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The LCR-100 Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) navigation systems subsidiary, Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH, has achieved certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Several business aircraft, regional jets and helicopters certified for instrument flight rules are included in this certification.

"Our new LCR-100 offers commercial airframe manufacturers increased navigational accuracy and reliability, which enhances overall aircraft performance, and underscores Northrop Grumman's continuing commitment to the commercial marketplace," said Norbert Sandner, director of marketing and sales for the company's Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH.

Technical Standard Order/European Technical Service Order (TSO/ETSO) approval of the LCR-100 was obtained in Feb. 2008. EASA and FAA approval was granted for ETSO categories C3d (Turn and Slip), C4c (Bank and Pitch), C5e/f (Non-Magnetic Gyro Stabilized) and C6 (Magnetic Stabilized Gyro). Several fixed-wing and helicopter customers using the LCR-100 have received type certifications, the design approvals issued by civil aviation authorities that the airframe meets airworthiness requirements. FAA Supplemental Type Certificates are also being pursued.

The LCR-100 provides precise navigation information regarding the aircraft position, heading and attitude. The LCR-100 AHRS consists of an attitude heading reference unit, which accepts satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS) position and velocity data, a calibration programmable read-only memory device and a mounting tray.

The most advanced feature of the LCR-100 is gyro-compassing. Normally found in standard inertial reference systems, this capability enables the unit to establish precise heading within moments, without the use of a magnetic flux valve or magnetometer. The LCR-100 also offers a hybrid navigation mode, which permits the aircraft to navigate when GPS data is not available. Using hybrid GPS-aided navigation, the unit can support search and rescue operations.

The LCR-100 provides continuity with earlier LCR-92 and LCR-93 AHRS designs. Installation of the new unit is compatible with the earlier models.

Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH is a leading supplier of inertial sensors, inertial reference and inertial navigation systems and computers with products deployed in more than 30 countries throughout the world in aircraft, marine vessels and ground mobile applications worldwide.

In Europe, Northrop Grumman operates from locations in France, Germany, Italy and Norway, providing navigation, air traffic control and postal automation systems. In the UK, Northrop Grumman operates from primary locations in London, Fareham, Chester, Coventry, New Malden, Peterborough, RAF Waddington and Solihull and provides avionics, communications, electronic warfare systems, marine navigation systems, robotics, C4ISR solutions and mission planning, IT systems and software development.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defence 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.



            

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