Northrop Grumman Advances Airborne Navigation Capabilities

• It represents the first M-code navigation system developed specifically for naval aircraft.
• M-code technology offers robust protection against GPS signal degradation.
• the LN-251 systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with current aircraft navigation infrastructures.

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is enhancing the airborne navigation capabilities of the U.S. Navy through the implementation of the LN-251M, a state-of-the-art upgrade to the LN-251 Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System (INS/GPS). The LN-251M integrates M-code technology, which encompasses an encrypted, military-specific signal designed to provide increased resistance to jamming, thereby fortifying navigation systems against potential adversarial threats.

The salient features of the LN-251M include:

• It represents the first M-code navigation system developed specifically for naval aircraft.
• M-code technology offers robust protection against GPS signal degradation, enabling pilots to maintain operational effectiveness in environments where GPS signals may be disabled or spoofed.

• Existing LN-251 units that are equipped with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Modules GPS can be easily upgraded to the M-code configuration.

   

Northrop Grumman is pioneering the introduction of this inaugural M-code airborne navigation solution for the U.S. Navy. According to Ryan Arrington, Vice President of Navigation and Cockpit Systems at Northrop Grumman, “The LN-251M is Northrop Grumman’s latest innovation aimed at advancing airborne navigation to the next level. This significant enhancement marks a critical milestone in delivering advanced positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities, as it allows pilots to operate safely with a navigation system that is resilient to jamming for naval aircraft.”

Concerning program specifics, the LN-251 systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with current aircraft navigation infrastructures and to function compatibly with forthcoming software and GPS modernization initiatives. Since the commencement of production in 2003, Northrop Grumman has delivered nearly 5,000 LN-251s and similar LN-270 INS/GPS units, thereby underscoring its commitment to advancing the navigational capabilities of the Navy.