Northrop Grumman selected to provide mission computers for U.S. Navy H-1 helicopter upgrades

WOODLAND HILLs, Calif., 4 April 2012. The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has signed a direct contract with Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) to provide mission computers for UH-1Y and AH-1Z helicopters. The contract is worth $8.9 million. Under the contract, Northrop Grumman will provide Gen II mission computers to the U.S. Marine Corps Light Attack Helicopter Program (PMA-276). The dual mission computers are the center of Northrop Grumman's Integrated Avionics System (IAS) that powers the helicopters' glass cockpits. The computers provide control of the IAS, interface with the tactical moving map, and display information. Data is shown on four different displays. The IAS and mission computers feature open, modular architecture to allow for system upgrades and insertion of new technologies. Northrop Grumman also provides the operational flight program software that controls the IAS. The mission computers will be used on the UH-1Y and AH-1Z helicopters that make up the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons.