320px-Blackhawk.jpg

Northrop Grumman and Redstone Defense Systems have successfully completed a critical design review (CDR) of the US Army’s UH-60V Black Hawk programme.

The team reviewed the scalable design, technical data package, navigation system performance, and portability of software applications.

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The review also evaluated the system’s readiness for the fabrication and integration phases of the development programme.

Part of a contract awarded by the army in 2015, the development is to provide mission equipment packages to upgrade the cockpits of its UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters, after which the UH-60L fleet will be designated under UH-60V.

The new open, architecture-based cockpit design will replace legacy analogue gauges with digital instrument displays.

"We are one major step closer to fielding advanced capabilities for the warfighter through a truly integrated cockpit solution."

Northrop Grumman Land & Avionics C4ISR Division Mission Solutions vice-president Ike Song said: "Our highly affordable cockpit solution will give customers greater flexibility than ever before by enabling avionics upgrades with or without the original equipment manufacturers involvement.

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"Completion of this milestone validates our approach and means that we are one major step closer to fielding advanced capabilities for the warfighter through a truly integrated cockpit solution."

Aligned with the future airborne capability environment (FACE) standard, the avionics system also supports the integration of off-the-shelf software and hardware, facilitating rapid insertion of capabilities, while lowering the cost and risk for system integration and upgrades.

Manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft, the UH-60L is an upgraded version of the UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter, featuring advanced T700-GE-701C engines, increased durability gearbox and an updated flight control system.

Image: The UH-60V Black Hawk is an upgraded version of the UH-60L shown in the picture. Photo: courtesy of SSGT Suzanne M. Jenkins, USAF.

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