It is to be powered by 1,050 hp (783 kW) Pratt &
Whitney Canada PW210S engines driving composite
rotors and will incorporate active vibration
control. A prototype made its first flight on 7
February 2009 and type certification was
initially expected in 2011, with deliveries
forecast for the end of that year. Performance
is anticipated to be substantially improved with
the added power, but initial certification will
retain the same 11,700 lb gross weight and
maximum 155 kn (287 km/h) cruise speed.
Developed by Northrop Grumman's navigation and
positioning systems subsidiary in Germany,
Northrop Grumman LITEF, the LCR-100 provides
critical flight information regarding the
aircraft's position, heading and attitude. The
LCR-100 offers precise outputs to the flight
control system and has demonstrated high
reliability and accuracy in the helicopter
environment.
"The LCR-100 has proven its dependability and
efficiency in serving rugged helicopter
platforms, including previous versions of the
S-76," said Eckehardt Keip, managing director
for Northrop Grumman LITEF. "We continue to
offer lighter products with greater accuracy and
performance."
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