Northrop Grumman has been awarded a follow-on contract by the U.S. Navy to provide integration and laboratory test support for the LN-251 embedded global positioning system (GPS)/fiber-optic inertial navigation system (INS) on the new CH-53K Super Stallion helicopter.

The contract was awarded by the Naval Air Systems Command, based in Patuxent River, Md. Northrop Grumman will define system requirements for the integration of the LN-251 system in Sikorsky Aircraft's CH-53K helicopter, which is in the initial test phase and will be the world's premier heavy-lift helicopter for the U.S. Marine Corps.

"The LN-251 is ideally suited to meet the precise navigation needs of the robust CH-53K helicopter because it is lightweight, highly compact and reliable," said Gorik Hossepian, vice president of navigation and positioning systems for Northrop Grumman's Navigation Systems Division.

"Northrop Grumman is looking forward to supporting the smooth integration of our system and ensuring that its addition provides enhanced capabilities for the helicopter."

The LN-251 system is the world's smallest, lightest navigation-grade embedded GPS/INS unit in its class.

Its high-performance, fiber-optic gyro-based inertial measurement unit provides a compact, low-noise solution for optimal sensor stabilization and navigation applications.

The LN-251 system's modular, open architecture supports additional applications and evolving requirements.