Northrop developing navigation prototype

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WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Sept. 21 (UPI) -- Northrop Grumman is to develop global positioning/inertial navigation system for U.S. Navy F/A-a8E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft.

The value of the prototyping contract it received from Boeing and the contract's period of performance weren't disclosed.

Northrop is one of two companies to receive the prototyping award and will produce a prototype inertial navigation system that demonstrates fiber-optic gyro performance suitability for the aircraft's Joint Precision Approach and Landing System, a next-generation system that will use GPS data.

JPALS is an all-weather, anti-jam approach and landing system based on local area differential GPS that was developed by the Navy.

The company's efforts will focus on risks associated with integration of the system on the aircraft and maximizing the system's performance for a JPALS-compatible navigation subsystem.

Boeing is expected to select one of the two companies contracted for prototyping as the single supplier for production of an operational system.

"Our proprietary fiber-optic gyro technology can be scaled for varying needs and applications, including the demands of a cutting-edge inertial navigation system for the Super Hornet and Growler aircraft," said Gorik Hossepian, vice president of navigation and positioning systems for Northrop Grumman.