Digital Cockpit Completes Initial Operational Test and Evaluation

Pete CodellaArticles

Northrop Grumman Corporation recently completed digital cockpit upgrades to the integrated avionics suite for the U.S. Army’s UH-60V Black Hawk. The Black Hawk recently completed initial operational test and evaluation, marking a significant milestone for the UH-60V program on the pathway to full-rate production.

The upgrades are expected to result in less workload for pilots and more cutting-edge capabilities they can leverage in combat situations.

“Northrop Grumman’s scalable, fully integrated avionics system will ensure the legacy Black Hawk fleet remains at the forefront of combat capability for decades to come,” said James Conroy, vice president, navigation, targeting and survivability, Northrop Grumman. “It is designed with a secure, open architecture that provides greater mission flexibility and a rapid upgrade path.”

The digital cockpits have advanced features such as a digital map, four multi-function displays, and Stormscope. The cockpit also incorporates the Dual Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System, four-axis fully-coupled flight director and Joint Variable Message Format messaging.

Locally, the Salt Lake City facility is part of the company’s Mission Systems business unit involved in the cockpit upgrade. Mission Systems has a wide portfolio of secure, affordable integrated and multi-domain systems and technologies. The company’s local facility produces mission computers, gyroscopes and navigational systems, to name a few high-tech items. Northrop Grumman’s operations in Utah are a vital part of the state’s aerospace and defense targeted industry.

Black Hawks weigh 22,000 pounds and are capable of lifting 9,000 pounds. They can carry 9,000 pounds internally, externally, or a combination. Cargo hooks and sling-loads are used to carry supplies. They are even strong enough to carry some types of combat vehicles deep into war zones without ever landing.