The US Marine Corps (USMC) has deployed Northrop Grumman’s latest tech refresh mission computer (TRMC) for the first time on the UH‑1Y and AH-1Z aircraft as part of the H-1 helicopter upgrade programme.
The H-1 upgrade project involves the replacement of the existing UH-1N and AH-1W helicopters with upgraded aircraft to offer significant enhancements in capability, commonality, reliability, and maintainability.
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Currently in full-rate production, the lightweight computer features multi-core processing, and helps integrate advanced mission, weapons and video processing capabilities into a conduction-cooled, high-performance airborne computer. The unit is capable of driving four independent, multi-function displays.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems Land & Avionics C4ISR division vice-president Steve McCoy said: “Our TRMC gives warfighters an asymmetrical advantage and improved situational awareness through enhanced processing and C4ISR capabilities.
“This next-generation of centralised mission computing will accommodate future growth and rapidly bring emerging capabilities to the warfighter through its proven open system architecture.”
Dual mission computers are primary to the company’s integrated avionics system (IAS) that powers the cockpits of the UH-1Y utility and AH-1Z attack aircraft.
Also, the new mission computers provide centralised display and control of all IAS functions, including helicopter performance and flight instruments, enhanced situational awareness and health monitoring information.
The company delivered identical mission computers for the UH-1Y and AH-1Z helicopters that make up the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons.
The computers also provide increased commonality across several platforms through a shared integrated mission equipment package.
