Marine Corps UH-1Y With NGC Integrated Cockpit Deploy to Afghanistan

(Woodland Hills, Calif., December 8, 2009) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Integrated Avionics System and the company's integration support were key elements in preparing the UH-1Y Venom helicopters for deployment to Afghanistan recently with the U.S. Marine Corps Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367. The deployment was part of the Marine's air-ground task force in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Northrop Grumman's Integrated Avionics System (IAS) makes critical mission data available to the pilot and co-pilot on four displays, reducing workload and increasing aircrew situational awareness. The glass cockpit is powered by two Northrop Grumman mission computers, the heart of the IAS, that allow for easy system upgrades as new technology is developed.


"The IAS in the UH-1Y ensures greater success supporting OEF because it can operate in high temperatures and provide improved situational awareness in diminished visual environments," said Ike Song, vice president of Northrop Grumman Navigation System Division's Situational Awareness Systems business. "Warfighters need these capabilities and performance for a successful deployment in such a harsh environment."

The H-1 Upgrade Program is replacing the aging UH-1N, doubling the range and payload and providing significant improvements in reliability and maintainability. Northrop Grumman is part of the program's industry team, led by Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., the manufacturer of the helicopter, which includes Thales and FLIR Systems Inc. The H-1 Upgrade Program also offers common parts between the UH-1Y and AH-1Z helicopters, including Northrop Grumman's IAS. This commonality reduces lifecycle and training costs and decreases the logistics footprint for both aircraft. A total of 123 UH-1Y helicopters are anticipated, with deliveries expected to be complete by the end of 2016.

Source : Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC)