FREIBURG, Germany, 5 Oct. 2008. The LCR-100 attitude heading reference system (AHRS) from the Northrop Grumman Corp. navigation systems subsidiary, Northrop Grumman LITEF GmbH in Freiburg, Germany, has achieved certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Several business aircraft, regional jets and helicopters certified for instrument flight rules are included in this certification.
The LCR-100 provides precise navigation information regarding the aircraft position, heading, and attitude. It consists of an attitude heading reference unit, which accepts satellite-based global positioning system (GPS) position and velocity data, a calibration programmable read-only memory device, and a mounting tray.
The system's gyro-compass enables the unit to establish precise heading within moments, without the use of a magnetic flux valve or magnetometer. The unit also offers a hybrid navigation mode, which permits the aircraft to navigate when GPS data is not available. Using hybrid GPS-aided navigation, the unit can support search and rescue operations.
Technical standard order/European technical service order (TSO/ETSO) approval of the LCR-100 came in February 2008. EASA and FAA approval was granted for ETSO categories C3d (turn and slip), C4c (bank and pitch), C5e/f (non-magnetic gyro stabilized) and C6 (magnetic stabilized gyro).
Several fixed-wing and helicopter customers using the LCR-100 have received type certifications -- the design approvals issued by civil aviation authorities that the airframe meets airworthiness requirements. Supplemental Type Certificates are also being pursued.
