NG-LCR-100

US-based aerospace technology company Northrop Grumman has supplied its Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) for Sikorsky’s medium-sized, twin-engine S-76D helicopter.

The fibre-optic gyro system, LCR-100, is a standard component of the Thales TopDeck avionics suite on the aircraft.

LCR-100 AHRS was developed by Northrop Grumman’s navigation systems subsidiary in Germany, Northrop Grumman LITEF.

Similar to an inertial reference system, the AHRS gyro-compassing feature eliminates the magnetic sensing unit requirement, while providing critical flight information such as the position, heading and attitude of the helicopter, as well as accurate outputs to the flight control system.

The navigation system has demonstrated high reliability and accuracy in the helicopter environment, Northrop Grumman LITEF noted.

Northrop Grumman LITEF managing director Eckehardt Keip said that the LCR-100 has proven its dependability and efficiency in providing services to rugged helicopter platforms, including previous versions of the S-76.

"We continue to offer lighter products with greater accuracy and performance," Keip said.

The AHRS manufacturer also provided the LCR-92 and LCR-100 on earlier versions of the S-76 helicopter.

"The LCR-100 has proven its dependability and efficiency in providing services to rugged helicopter platforms, including previous versions of the S-76."

S-76D received type certificate from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in October.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney PW210S engines, S-76D helicopter features all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades, an advanced avionics system integrated by Thales and autopilot, as well as a health and usage monitoring system and active vibration control.

Sikorsky has delivered more than 800 S-76 helicopters worldwide since 1979.

Earlier this month, Northrop Grumman supplied its AHRS for integration with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics system on Embraer Legacy 500 and Legacy 450 business aircraft.

Northrop Grumman LITEF provides inertial sensors, reference and navigation systems, as well as computers for aircraft, marine vessels, unmanned systems, cyber security, C4ISR and ground mobile applications in more than 30 countries.


Image: Northrop Grumman’s LCR-100 Attitude and Heading Reference System was selected for Sikorsky’s new S-76D helicopter. Photo: courtesy of Northrop Grumman.