Northrop, SAS sign distribution deal

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LONDON, July 10 (UPI) -- Northrop Grumman's Italian subsidiary has given Sikorsky Aerospace Services an exclusive sales and distribution agreement for NAVEX-12 navigation systems.

The systems from Northrop Grumman Italia will be used by SAS to equip Black Hawk utility aircraft obtained by non-U.S. customers through the U.S. government's Excess Defense Articles program.

"We are excited to work with NGI and bring new opportunities to the Black Hawk market worldwide," said Frank DiPasquale, SAS vice president, Sales & Strategic Relationships. "This distribution agreement enables us to provide upgraded solutions and effectively manage material obsolescence for UH-60A and UH-60L helicopters.

"SAS is continually augmenting its upgrade program, and this capability is part of our strategic international focus to increase foreign military sales."

NAVEX-12 is a fiber-optic gyroscope attitude heading reference system to replace mechanical vertical Gyros compatible with Sikorsky's H-60A and H-60L platforms. It is the equivalent of the LISA-200 AHRS used by the U.S. Army.

Sikorsky said that under the deal with Northrop Grumman the NAVEX-12 will also be offered for other rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.