EADS, Northrop Grumman to cooperate on airborne radar systems

EADS European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company and Northrop Grumman Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Paris Air Show, agreeing to bring together their technological skills in the field of airborne radar.

As a result of this MoU the two companies will consider the exploitation of their collective technical and business strengths in pursuit of a common radar solution for US transport aircraft. The aim is to enhance the safety of aircraft operation independent from weather and daylight conditions, particularly during landing and taxiing, by establishing an Enhanced Vision System. The project will be based on Northrop Grumman's APN-241 aerial delivery radar and EADS' HiVision sensor technology.

"We look forward to working closely with EADS to develop a collaborative business activity intended to market and support the EADS HiVision millimetre wave radar sensor," said Bob DuBeau, Vice President of Northrop Grumman's Avionics Systems business unit.

The HiVision radar contains a frequency-modulated, continuous wave radar sensor operating in the millimetre wave band. It is a short-range sensor for navigation (landing aid), runway detection and collision warning up to a distance of five kilometres. Under the proposed collaboration, Northrop Grumman will be responsible for adaptation, production and support of the HiVision radar sensor for the US transport aircraft programmes.

"The increase in modern traffic, the demand for economic operation and more stringent safety demands require the weather and daylight-independent operation of aircraft," said Johann Heitzmann, Head of EADS Airborne Systems. "And this requirement is met by imaging sensor support, which can be offered in a very cost-effective way by bringing together the existing concepts and comprehensive proficiency of our companies in this field."

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