Northrop Grumman introduces new LCR-300 Attitude Heading Reference System at HELI-EXPO 2012

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is introducing the new LCR-300 Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS), which is based on micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, at HELI-EXPO 2012 from Feb. 12-14.

The LCR-300 features a high-performance, MEMS-based Inertial Measurement Unit and is the result of extensive development by Northrop Grumman's navigation systems subsidiary, Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH of Germany.

The new system has a smaller size and lower weight that greatly expands the capabilities of a MEMS sensor-based AHRS, while complementing the company's successful LCR-100 product line. It also enables directional gyro mode operation, which minimizes magnetic compass errors. Additionally, the LCR-300 provides a hybrid navigation function by using global navigation satellite system data. A demonstration unit successfully completed flight tests on three midsize twin helicopters during the past year.

"Northrop Grumman LITEF has dedicated years of research to the MEMS inertial product line, and we are very pleased with the results thus far," said Eckehardt Keip, managing director for Northrop Grumman LITEF. "Hybrid navigation increases the system's utility by employing existing technology to augment already excellent performance, especially in difficult environments for helicopters."

The LCR-300 consists of a 4.2-pound AHRS unit that accepts satellite-based global positioning system velocity and position data; a calibration programmable read-only memory device; a magnetometer; and a mounting tray.

Northrop Grumman LITEF is a leading supplier of inertial sensors, inertial reference, and inertial navigation systems and computers with products deployed in more than 30 countries in aircraft, marine vessels and ground mobile applications. There are more than 15,000 attitude and heading reference systems serving in aircraft worldwide.