Northrop Grumman to Supply Navigation System for Embraer's New KC-390 Military Aircraft

Northrop Grumman Corporation

has been awarded a contract to supply the hybrid global positioning system (GPS) and inertial reference system for the Embraer Defense and Security KC-390 medium-lift military transport aircraft. Under the contract, the company's German navigation systems subsidiary, Northrop Grumman LITEF, will provide the fibre-optic, gyro-compass LCR-100 Attitude and Heading Reference System. The system will be used on Embraer's new fly-by-wire KC-390 aircraft, which is anticipated to have the first flight in 2014. "The LCR-100 gyro-compass brings efficiencies, savings and safety to Embraer's KC-390 military transport aircraft," said Eckehardt Keip, managing director for Northrop Grumman LITEF. "This system will meet the exacting standards Embraer sets for its new aircraft." The LCR-100 is a high-performing inertial reference system that provides navigation information regarding the aircraft's position, heading and attitude. The gyro-compass feature eliminates the need for a magnetic sensing unit. Additionally, the system offers extended coasting performance that allows the aircraft to maintain accuracy and continue to provide navigation information in the event of GPS signal loss. Northrop Grumman LITEF is a leading supplier of inertial sensors, inertial reference, and inertial navigation systems and