WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Jan. 14, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- SilkAir, the Singapore Airlines-owned regional carrier, has selected Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) latest air data inertial reference unit, known as the LTN-101E, for its new Airbus A320 aircraft.

"The advanced fiber-optic-gyro technology of the LTN-101E is a leap in technology over the previous ring laser gyro," said Jim Myers, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman's Navigation Systems Division. "Its reliability is significantly higher than its predecessor and its increased reliability translates into reduced cost of ownership for our commercial customers."

Both the LTN-101 and the LTN-101E employ the patented AIME(tm) algorithm that integrates inertial and GPS measurements to provide highly accurate aircraft position. An advanced AIME(tm) algorithm for the LTN-101E is also in development and is being test flown.

"The new AIME(tm) will be an integral part of cutting edge landing systems that are designed to allow safe and accurate landings in conditions of reduced visibility at airports with little or no ground infra-structure," said Jim Govostes, director of business development at the company's Navigation Systems Division. "These operational benefits will also lead to additional cost savings for the airlines."

The LTN-101E has the same form factor as its predecessor, the LTN-101, and it is interchangeable and intermixable with the LTN-101. More than 6,000 LTN-101 units are in operation with airlines around the globe.

Northrop Grumman will initially equip 12 Airbus A320 aircraft with a set of three LTN-101 or LTN-101E inertial reference units, and will provide an option to equip an additional nine aircraft with a set of three inertial reference units each.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $31.5 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide. 

  CONTACT:  Don Barteld
          Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems
          (818) 712-6179
          don.barteld@ngc.com