Russia developing global navigation system
Russian manufacturers plan to begin production on a line of navigation systems using Glonass technology for strategic aviation.
The system is similar to the U.S. Global Positioning System, which is designed for both military and civilian use and allows users to identify positions in real time.
Expected to be fully operational by next year, the systems were designed to ensure greater reliability in both training and combat tasks and will be part of the new navigation equipment for strategic bombers, RIA Novosti reported Saturday.
"The (Moscow-based) Kompas design bureau announces the end of state tests. We have received approval for serial production of PUIN indication and navigation control panels on the basis of the Glonass technology. Production will be for Tu-160 (Blackjack) Tu-95 (Bear) and others that resumed on the Russian president's instruction constant combat duty Aug. 17," said Kompas spokesman Anatoly Malygin.
A total of $379.7 million has been allocated for Glonass development from the federal budget in 2007, while $181.4 million was dedicated to it the year before.
Copyright 2007 by United Press International