AgustaWestland’s AW609 aircraft to feature Northrop’s reference systems

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has selected Northrop Grumman to provide flight-critical inertial instruments for the new AW609 TiltRotor aircraft.

Currently, the aircraft is undergoing civil certification through the Federal Aviation Administration.

Developed by Northrop Grumman Navigation and Maritime Systems Division’s subsidiary Northrop Grumman LITEF, the LCR-110 inertial reference system and the LCR 300A air data attitude heading reference system have been selected as standard inertial navigation products for the advanced AW609 TiltRotor.

Northrop Grumman LITEF managing director Eckehardt Keip said that the systems offer critical flight control and navigation data to help the aircraft achieve required availability, precision and the highest levels of integrity.

"Our products enhance precision navigation operations, improve safety margins, save weight and volume, and provide attractive commercial advantages," Keip added.

Featuring high-performance, fibre-optic gyro-based inertial measurement unit and an advanced micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) triad accelerometer, the LCR 110 system provides hybrid navigation through global navigation satellite system data.
The LCR 110 has been selected for numerous rotorcraft and fixed-wing platforms.

The LCR 300A features MEMS gyro to provide advanced attitude heading reference system performance in combination with a magnetic sensing unit as well as directional gyro mode to reduce magnetic compass errors.

The AW609 TiltRotor is a twin engine, fly-by-wire which combines the benefits of a helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft into one platform.

Image: Northrop Grumman-built LCR-110 inertial reference system. Photo: Northrop Grumman Corp.