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Lockheed Martin Delivers 300th Common Cockpit to the U.S. Navy

Feb. 23, 2011

Cockpit is 'hub of all activity' for multi-mission Navy helicopters.

Lockheed Martin said it has delivered the 300th common cockpit to the U.S. Navy, aboard an MH-60S helicopter.

The common cockpit is "the nerve center for every multi-mission helicopter in the U.S. Navy fleet," according to the Bethesda, Md.-based defense contractor.

"The common cockpit underwent one of the most demanding certification processes at NAVAIR, and is now the standard by which all cockpits are judged," said Capt. Dean Peters, NAVAIR program manager for H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopters. "Our MH-60R and MH-60S crews rely on this system to support the broad range of missions and operations they fly everyday."

Lockheed Martin's common cockpit is "the nerve center for every multi-mission helicopter in the U.S. Navy fleet."The "hub of all activity aboard MH-60R and MH-60S aircraft," according to Lockheed Martin, the common cockpit features four flat-panel, night-vision-compatible color display screens that provide crew members with instant information on weather, weapons, sensors and other data.

Upcoming improvements to the common cockpit will include the addition of the Situational Awareness Technology Insertion package, which is a set of upgrades to the flight-management system.

Also, a new integrated digital map will provide pilots with a clear picture of their operating area, according to Lockheed Martin, and an upgrade to the Identification Friend-or-Foe system will ensure there is no interference during transmission and that it is interoperable with the Federal Aviation Administration and other agencies.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.