Northrop Grumman will provide FlightPro™ Gen III mission computers for the UH-1Y and AH-1Z aircraft. These aircraft are expected to be the first to benefit from the latest model in the FlightPro™ product line. The period of performance for this Lot 12 contract is slated for October 2016 through October 2017.
“This contract reaffirms that customer demand is strong and underscores the critical role our proven avionics equipment has in enhancing C4ISR capabilities through helicopter upgrades,” said Ike Song, Vice President, Situational Awareness Systems business unit, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems.
“Our mission computer is ideal for customers who want an open architecture solution that can be applied to multiple platforms, resulting in greater affordability and efficiency,” he added.
The lightweight FlightPro™ Gen III mission computer integrates advanced mission, weapons and video processing capabilities into a conduction-cooled, high-performance airborne computer capable of driving four independent, multi-function displays.
Northrop Grumman will provide identical mission computers for the UH-1Y and AH-1Z aircraft that make up the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons, resulting in increased commonality across multiple platforms through a shared integrated mission equipment package. Additionally, deployed forces will benefit from greater cost efficiency and a reduced logistical footprint.
Dual mission computers are the heart of Northrop Grumman's integrated avionics system (IAS) that powers the helicopters' digital cockpits. The mission computers provide centralized control of the IAS and show aircraft performance and flight instruments, onboard sensor and survivability displays, and improved situational awareness and health monitoring information.
Aligned with the Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE ™ ) standard, the IAS and mission computers feature open, modular architecture that allows for easy system upgrades; rapid insertion of new and emerging technologies; and integration of other platform avionics, communication, onboard sensors and survivability equipment.
Northrop Grumman also provides the operational flight program software that controls the IAS while providing full government purpose rights for Northrop Grumman-owned software, helping to avoid issues commonly associated with vendor lock. Additionally, Northrop Grumman's scalable and fully integrated architecture design allows the same hardware solution to be applied to numerous platforms such as the UH-60, CH-47, AH-1Z/UH-1Y and E-2D aircraft worldwide.
