THE GERMAN AIR FORCE is opting for an integrated laser inertial-navigation/global-positioning system (LINS/GPS) to replace the existing inertial- navigation system (INS) in its Panavia Tornados.
The German defence ministry says that Honeywell, Litton and GEC-Marconi Defence Systems are expected to bid to replace the GEC-Marconi FIN 1010 three-axis digital INS. The Kearfott division of Milwaukee-based Astronautics is also interested in bidding. A tender is being prepared and will be issued in the middle of the year.
The German air force has chosen a new, integrated system, instead of adding a GPS receiver to the existing INS - a cheaper option proposed originally by GEC-Marconi, which is now to offer its 3110G integrated system.
Sources close to the Tornado upgrade expect significant re-testing and re-qualification costs on top of the purchase price for an integrated system, because of the LINS/GPS' pivotal role in the aircraft's avionics.
The ministry expects "...considerable savings in the life-cycle costs. Higher investment costs will be more than compensated by drastically reduced operating costs."
Source: Flight International
