Northrop Grumman has successfully completed the third test of its Advanced Hypersonic Technology (AHT) Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), further solidifying its role in the realm of advanced navigation systems for hypersonic vehicles. This recent test was conducted aboard a sounding rocket, showcasing the IMU’s capabilities under extreme conditions.
The AHT IMU employs a resonating gyroscope to accurately measure rotation, allowing for precise determination of the aircraft’s orientation and movement. During this test, the unit performed admirably, functioning effectively under conditions of intense acceleration, extreme altitudes, and hypersonic speeds. Notably, the system was also able to operate in GPS-denied environments, successfully collecting inertial data throughout the flight. This capability illustrates the IMU’s resilience and reliability in both hypersonic and near-space environments, which is crucial for future navigation technologies.
The precision offered by the AHT IMU is significant, as it supports crucial functions such as targeting, guidance, and trajectory control for hypersonic vehicles. Sam Dimashkie, director of future navigation technology at Northrop Grumman’s Research and Development organization, emphasized the impact of this testing, stating that it validates the navigation system’s ability to enhance the agility of platforms in ways that are challenging to defend against. Dimashkie also highlighted that this technology represents a substantial advancement in strategic capabilities, outpacing current offerings available to U.S. forces.
This latest test marks the third usage of the same unit within a span of six months, confirming its reusability following two preceding flights on a reusable hypersonic vehicle. The earlier tests, conducted in May, involved the AHT IMU aboard Stratolaunch’s reusable hypersonic aircraft, Talon-A.
In addition to the AHT IMU tests, Northrop Grumman has been actively conducting various other test campaigns for advanced systems. In September, the company announced forthcoming flight tests of its Beacon project, utilizing a modified Scaled Composites Model 437 “Vanguard” jet. This initiative seeks to evaluate artificial intelligence performance in flight as part of the Pentagon’s efforts to integrate AI into future combat aircraft. Furthermore, in August, Northrop Grumman, in collaboration with the U.S. Space Force, conducted the inaugural test of the Deep-Space Advanced Radar Capability, a ground-based system designed for high-precision tracking and monitoring of objects in space.
These advancements underscore Northrop Grumman’s commitment to innovation in both air and space technologies, contributing to the strategic capabilities of the U.S. and reinforcing its leadership in defense systems.
