Northrop Tests GPS-Free Hypersonic Tech DEFENSE NEWS TODAY

Two recent groundbreaking hypersonic test flights showcase Northrop Grumman’s technology, which enables high-speed systems to navigate and manoeuvre without GPS.

This week, the company informed Defence News that its inertial measurement unit (IMU) was used on Stratolaunch’s Talon-A glide vehicle during its initial two hypersonic flights in December and March.

According to Jonathan Green, Northrop’s Chief Technology Officer for Emerging Capabilities Development, a successful demonstration of IMU technology on a hypersonic aircraft capable of flying and manoeuvring at Mach 5 or greater is a pioneering achievement in the industry.

“It achieved all of our objectives, and the fact that it endured the initial flight test is an exceptionally positive advancement for the maturation of this technology,” he stated in an interview.

Northrop tests tech to help hypersonic vehicles maneuver without GPS

Talon-A tests

This week, the Pentagon announced the Talon-A tests, signifying the first successful flight of a reusable hypersonic vehicle since the conclusion of the X-15 program in 1968.

Recently, the U.S. has augmented its investment in high-speed weaponry and aircraft, and Stratolaunch’s testbed signifies a heightened imperative to establish testing opportunities for the components and subsystems essential for significant hypersonic development initiatives.

Northrop Grumman designed the IMU to help hypersonic systems navigate on their own without relying on GPS.

This capability becomes crucial when severe weather, tough terrain, or enemy jamming and spoofing disrupt satellite signals.

The IMU uses advanced sensors to track movement and calculate the route needed to keep its path steady. Josei Chang, senior director at Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, said the system performed well during flight tests.

It accurately calculated the vehicle’s path without relying on GPS. Northrop has built IMUs for spacecraft before, but this version is smaller and tougher for aerial use.

Northrop Grumman

It is designed to survive the intense heat and pressure of Mach 5 flight. “At Northrop Grumman, we adapted space navigation expertise to create advanced inertial navigation for high-speed aircraft,” Green explained. “We improved that capability and technology portfolio.”

Northrop Completes Hypersonic Missile Tracking Sensor Review

Hypersonic flights signify a considerable advancement for the system, currently in the research and development stage.

Northrop is developing advanced IMU technology for the Army’s missile system centre, but it keeps partnerships and contracts confidential.

They plan to test the IMU on a sounding rocket during this quarter to gather performance data. Another test could happen later this year at Holloman Air Force Base in Utah under high-gravity conditions.

Northrop is also monitoring the testing timeline of Talon-A to ensure alignment with future evaluations.

Still, Green did not confirm if Stratolaunch’s upcoming flight will carry the IMU for testing. He stated, “Stratolaunch played a vital role in helping us deploy and evaluate the system.”

“It illustrates the importance of having the capability and resources to conduct these tests.”