CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Goodrich Corporation (NYSE: GR) has been selected by Northrop Grumman to provide the air data system for the Joint-Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS) X-47B air vehicle. The Northrop Grumman X-47B air data system provides all the necessary air data information required by the air vehicle.

"The X-47B J-UCAS selection demonstrates the market preference for new and innovative air data architectures," said Don Reynolds, Vice President of Goodrich Sensor Systems. "Our systems integration role during joint-concept development will help ensure program success and deliver an optimum system for the program."

The X-47B air data system will employ Goodrich SmartPort(TM) technology which results in several benefits over traditional air data systems. By integrating multi-function sensing ports, pressure sensors and processing capability, the total number of discrete sensor installations is reduced, reliability is significantly improved, and overall weight is decreased.

The J-UCAS X-47B program is a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/U.S. Air Force/U.S. Navy/Northrop Grumman effort to demonstrate the technical feasibility, military utility and operational value of a networked system of unmanned air vehicles for both the Air Force and the Navy. Operational missions for the services may include suppression of enemy air defenses; electronic attack; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and strike. Boeing is also developing a J-UCAS air vehicle designated as the X-45C.

Goodrich was also recently chosen to provide an electrically actuated braking system for the new RQ-4B production versions of a high altitude, long- endurance, unmanned reconnaissance vehicle -- Northrop Grumman's "Global Hawk." The electric braking system is based on an existing Goodrich wheel and brake design modified for electric rather than hydraulic actuation.

In addition, earlier this year Goodrich was also selected to provide laser altimeters and SmartPort(TM) air data sensors for other unmanned platforms as well.

Goodrich Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading global supplier of systems and services to the aerospace and defense industry. If there's an aircraft in the sky - we're on it. Goodrich technology is involved in making aircraft fly ... helping them land ... and keeping them safe. Serving a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and service facilities, Goodrich is one of the largest aerospace companies in the world. For more information visit http://www.goodrich.com .

SOURCE GR - Electronic Systems