Northrop upgrading Marine helo computers

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WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., April 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Marine Corps' UH-1Y and AH-1Z helicopters are being upgraded with mission computers through an $8.9 million contract given to Northrop Grumman.

The award for Generation II computers was given by the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command and the direct sale is expected to reduce costs for the H-1 upgrade program.

"As part of the Integrated Avionics System, the mission computers have proven their excellent value and reliability in combat," said Ike Song, vice president of situational awareness systems at Northrop Grumman's Navigation Systems Division.

"We will be working even more closely with the H-1 Upgrade team to provide cost-effective, high-quality solutions that increase the safety and effectiveness of service members."

Northrop said the dual mission computers are at the core of its Integrated Avionics System for powering helicopters' glass cockpits.

"They provide centralized control of the IAS, interface with the tactical moving map, and display both situational awareness and health monitoring information," it said.

The H-1 Upgrade program involves replacing aging AH-1W and UH-1N helicopters with upgraded UH-1Y and AH-1Z aircraft, providing significant improvements in commonality, reliability and maintainability.