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.' |
