The US Navy, Naval Air Systems Command based in Patuxent River, has awarded a follow-on contract for Northrop Grumman to provide laboratory test and integration support for the LN-251 embedded fiber-optic inertial navigation system (INS)/ global positioning system (GPS), which is installed on the latest Sikorsky Aircraft's CH-53K Super Stallion helicopter.
LN-251 Digital INS/GPS System
The need for integrating the LN-251 embedded INS/GPS system in the CH-53K aircraft, which will be the world’s first heady-lift aircraft for the US marine, are defined by Northrop Grumman during its initial test phase.
The LN-251 embedded INS/GPS system is the world’s compact, lightest navigation solution that ensures high-grade performance. The LN-251 is featured with a fiber-optic gyro-based inertial sensing unit, which provides a compact, less-noise solution for optimal sensor navigation and stabilization applications. The modular and open design of the Ln-251 embedded INS/GPS device is capable of supporting additional technology solutions and evolving needs.
Gorik Hossepian, Northrop Grumman Navigation Systems Division’s Vice President, stated that the LN-251 embedded INS/GPS system is compact, highly reliable and has less weight and is perfectly suitable to meet the accurate navigation requirements of the strong CH-53K helicopter. Hossepian added that the company anticipates supporting the smooth implementation of its system, thereby providing improved capabilities for the US navy aircrafts.