Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems Delivers Next-Generation Data Communication Multimode Digital Radio to ARINC

Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems Delivers Next-Generation Data Communication Multimode Digital Radio to ARINC

LONDON, October 31/PRNewswire/ --

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announced that its Europe-based air space management communications subsidiary, Park Air Systems is supplying the first of its new generation IP-enabled multimode digital radios (MDR) to ARINC. A significant number of production units will be delivered to the data service provider's Annapolis, Md. headquarters for installation within its global network. ARINC provides communications, engineering and integration solutions for commercial, defence and government customers worldwide.

"For more than 10 years Park Air Systems has been delivering safety-critical digital waveforms within its products and is undoubtedly the sector's technology leader in implementing this capability," said Charles Houseago, managing director of Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems. "Due to the widespread and growing equipage of VDL Mode 2, it is the ideal data link choice for the FAA's next generation data communications programme, and Park Air Systems stands ready to support this important initiative with our innovative products."

Named the PAE 6525 MDR, the software-defined radio delivers data and voice services in the VHF air band; waveforms included in the 6525 MDR are aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (ACARS), VHF digital link (VDL) Mode 2 and AM voice. The implementation of the TCP/IP interface allows the 6525 MDR to deliver reliable data-link services whilst realising the cost and performance benefit of modern telecommunication networks.

Park Air Systems commenced its VDL development programme in the early 1990s as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards were evolving and has contributed to the evolution of the specifications in both the USA and European forums. Park Air Systems secured its first contract to deliver VDL radios to ARINC in 1997, since this time, more than 1000 units have been deployed globally; in 2001, Park Air Systems was selected as the technology provider for the FAA MDR programme. This multimode radio technology today delivers VHF services throughout the National Airspace System.

ACARS is a legacy data-link system that is still used by many airlines around the world. VDL provides more efficient communication than ACARS and is based upon the standards developed and published by ICAO for the communication of digitized voice and data to and from aircraft. VDL Mode 2 is a dedicated data link service that can provide both air traffic control services and airline operational communications.

Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems based in Peterborough, UK, as well as in Oslo and Horten, Norway, supplies communication, navigation and surveillance systems for air-space operations worldwide.

In Europe, Northrop Grumman operates from locations in France, Germany, Italy and Norway, providing navigation, air traffic control and postal automation systems. In the UK, Northrop Grumman operates from primary locations in London, Fareham, Chester, Coventry, New Malden, Peterborough, RAF Waddington and Solihull and provides avionics, communications, electronic warfare systems, marine navigation systems, robotics, aircraft whole life support, C4I solutions and mission planning, IT systems and software development.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defence 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.

Source: Northrop Grumman Corporation

Ken Beedle of Northrop Grumman Corporation, +44-(0)-207-747-1910, or +44-(0)-7787-174092, Ken.beedle@euro.ngc.com

---

Profile: International Entertainment