Naval Air Systems Command awarded Northrop Grumman [NOC] a contract to supply a next-generation mission computer for the Marine Corps’ H-1 helicopter upgrade program, the company said yesterday.
Northrop Grumman will provide FlightPro Gen III computers to the Marine Corps for use in the UH-1Y and AH-1Z aircraft. These aircraft, making up the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons, will be the first aircraft to utilize the latest model of Flightpro. Benefits of the upgrade include greater cost efficiency and simplified logistics for deployed forces, the company said in a statement.
Photo: Bell Helicopter
The computers are scheduled to be delivered by October 2017.
Dual mission computers like the FlightPro Gen III provide centralized control of the Integrated Avionics System (IAS). The IAS powers the helicopter’s so-called “glass cockpits.” These computers display situational awareness and health monitoring information.
Northrop Grumman also supplies software that controls the IAS.
“The FlightPro ™ Gen III mission computer has the latest computing technology and increased processing resources to improve situational awareness and lighten warfighters’ workloads,” Ike Song, vice president for the Situational Awareness Systems business unit at Northrop Grumman, said. “Our latest model builds on the FlightPro™ product line’s solid reputation, value, proven performance and reliability in combat.”