US tests navigation system for hypersonic aircraft to replace GPS

Northrop Grumman has tested its IMU inertial navigation system during two recent hypersonic flights, which allows high-speed aircraft to navigate without using GPS.

Here's What We Know

The tests took place in December and March during flights of the Stratolaunch Talon-A hypersonic aircraft. According to Jonathan Greene, chief technology officer for new capabilities development at Northrop Grumman, the IMU demonstration on a hypersonic aircraft capable of manoeuvring at Mach 5 was the first in the industry.

This week, the Pentagon confirmed the success of the Talon-A test, noting that it was the first successful flight of a reusable hypersonic vehicle since the X-15 programme was completed in 1968.

The IMU system, developed by Northrop Grumman, provides autonomous navigation even in the absence of GPS, using advanced sensors to detect movement in space. During the tests, the technology accurately calculated the aircraft's trajectory, which was confirmed by Josey Chang, senior director of advanced technology at Northrop Grumman Mission Systems.

The company plans additional IMU tests on the probe rocket this quarter, as well as testing at Holloman Air Force Base in Utah later this year. These tests are expected to help evaluate the system's performance in a high stress environment.

Northrop Grumman is also monitoring the Talon-A flight schedule, although it has not confirmed whether the IMU will be installed during the next test, scheduled for spring or summer.

Source: Defence News