AESA (advanced electronically scanned array) - Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman Delivers Advanced Multifunction Sensor System to AFRL and DARPA

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 13:00:00 GMT

LINTHICUM, Md. – Aug. 31, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) delivered the Arrays at Commercial Timescales Integration and Validation (ACT-IV) system to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The system is based on an advanced digital active electronically scanned array (AESA) that completed multiple successful demonstrations and acceptance testing at Northrop Grumman test facilities.

Northrop Grumman tests its Arrays at Commercial Timescales Integration and Validation (ACT-IV) digital AESA system for the AFRL and DARPA at the company radar range in Linthicum, Maryland. (Source: Northrop Grumman).

“The development of the ACT-IV system is a breakthrough in AESA performance and marks an important milestone in the nation’s transition to digitally reprogrammable multifunction radio frequency (RF) systems,” said William Phillips, director, multifunction systems, Northrop Grumman. "The new ACT-IV capabilities have the agility to defeat complex emerging threats and will be used to enhance the next generation of integrated circuits and AESAs that are currently in our digital AESA product pipeline.”

ACT-IV is one of the first multifunction systems based on a digital AESA using the semiconductor devices developed on the DARPA Arrays at Commercial Timescales (ACT) program. By applying the flexibility of the digital AESA, the ACT-IV system can perform radar, electronic warfare and communication functions simultaneously by controlling a large number of independent digital transmit/receive channels. The agility of the digital AESA was demonstrated during multiple demonstrations at the Northrop Grumman test range and will enable future warfighters to quickly adapt to new threats, control the electromagnetic spectrum, and connect to tactical networks in support of distributed operations.

The ACT-IV system will be a foundational research asset for the Department of Defense’s multi-service research initiative for digital radars and multifunction systems. This initiative will support a community of researchers that are developing new algorithms and software to explore the possibilities of next generation digital AESAs for national security missions.

The algorithms, software and capabilities developed on ACT-IV will transition into next generation multifunction RF systems to support advanced development programs throughout the Department of Defense.

“This delivery is the culmination of the close collaboration between the teams at AFRL, DARPA and Northrop Grumman,” said Dr. Bae-Ian Wu, ACT-IV project lead, Sensors Directorate, AFRL. “The ACT-IV system is being prepared for initial testing by the AFRL Sensors Directorate as part of a strategic investment to develop and test the technologies for multifunction digital phased array systems in an open-architecture environment for the larger DoD community.”

Northrop Grumman is the industry leader in developing mission-capable, cost-efficient, open-architecture and multi-function radar and sensor systems to observe, orient and act across all domains – land, sea, air and space. They provide the joint forces with the intelligence they need to operate safely in today's multi-domain operational environment.

Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.

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Northrop Grumman’s SABR Radar Goes Agile

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 13:00:00 GMT

BALTIMORE – July 14, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has adopted Lean-Agile methodologies in the development and integration of the active electronically scanned array (AESA) AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar software for the F-16 Viper fighter aircraft. The transition to Lean-Agile was achieved in partnership with the U.S. Air Force development teams at Hill Air Force Base, Eglin Air Force Base and Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center.

A Northrop Grumman test aircraft equipped with Northrop Grumman’s AN/APG-83 SABR radar.

“With this collaborative relationship, we are now able to deliver software updates to be tested on the F-16 in weeks instead of the months it would have taken using the traditional waterfall method,” said Mark Rossi, director, SABR programs, Northrop Grumman. “Agile software development allows us to rapidly and affordably deliver capabilities to our customers – keeping F-16 operators ahead of their adversaries for decades to come.”

The AN/APG-83 features all-weather, high-resolution synthetic aperture radar mapping to present the pilot with a large surface image for more precise target identification and strike capabilities compared to legacy systems. Its design incorporates proven hardware and advanced operating modes from Northrop Grumman's fifth-generation F-35 AN/APG-81 and F-22 AN/APG-77 AESA radars. The high degree of commonality, shared manufacturing processes and infrastructure drives efficiencies and affordability improvements across all of Northrop Grumman's AESA radar programs.

The AN/APG-83 is an official program of record for both the U.S. Air Force’s active, Guard and Reserve components. The U.S. Air Force has achieved initial readiness requirements for SABR to meet a U.S. Northern Command Joint Emergent Operational Need (JEON) for homeland defense, and expects to formally declare full operational capability (FOC) after JEON fielding has completed in late 2021.

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Northrop Grumman Flight Tests Digital Wideband AESA Sensor

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 13:00:00 GMT

BALTIMORE – June 22, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has successfully flight demonstrated its new Terracotta sensor – a fully-digital open mission systems (OMS)-compliant wideband active electronically scanned array (AESA).

Terracotta’s nearly 200 wideband digital channels can be molded cooperatively or segmented for unique purposes.

The flight test was a follow-on to successful ground and flight demonstrations of Terracotta conducted last fall. This most recent flight verified Terracotta’s ability to simultaneously perform active and passive radio frequency capabilities. Terracotta’s nearly 200 wideband digital channels can be molded cooperatively or segmented for unique purposes, including electronic warfare, airborne early warning radar, active and passive sensing, and communications.

“As a fully-digital multifunction sensor with a wide operating bandwidth, Terracotta can seamlessly provide adaptive spectrum maneuverability,” said Paul Kalafos, vice president, surveillance and electromagnetic maneuver warfare. “The sensor’s architecture is easily scaled and configured for many applications and systems across all domains. It represents a key enabling technology for joint all domain operations.”

Unlike traditional sensors, multifunction apertures consolidate multiple capabilities into a single sensor, decreasing both the number of apertures needed and the size, weight, and power requirements for the advanced capabilities. Sophisticated multifunction apertures like Terracotta can deploy several functions simultaneously.

OMS compliance offers an interface solution based on open architecture design allowing customers to rapidly add new or improved capabilities, regardless of supplier, at a reduced cost. Northrop Grumman plans to integrate a combination of OMS/Open Communication Systems sensors and software-defined radios across multiple platforms, networks and nodes to address driving mission needs and ensure multi-domain interoperability. To learn more about Northrop Grumman’s role in advancing the DOD’s Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) vision, visit the company’s website.

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Northrop Grumman Demonstrates Successful Open Mission Systems Compliant Advanced Sensor

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 14:00:00 GMT

BALTIMORE – Nov. 9, 2020 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has successfully demonstrated an open mission systems (OMS) compliant active electronically scanned array (AESA) sensor in recent ground and multiple flight demonstrations.

Northrop Grumman demonstrating an OMS-compliant advanced sensor during a live ground demonstration. (Northrop Grumman Photo/Released)

For the demonstrations, an advanced Northrop Grumman wideband AESA sensor was connected to an OMS-compliant mission computing system provided by Boeing. After integrating with the Boeing mission computing environment, the AESA sensor was instructed to focus on specific targets, capture and manage data, and communicate the information back to the mission computing system, which was displayed in real-time on an operator’s workstation.

“These demonstrations continue to act as pathfinders to enable further OMS opportunities,” said Paul Kalafos, vice president, surveillance and electromagnetic maneuver warfare, Northrop Grumman. “Using an agile framework, we can quickly develop and adapt complex, multi-function systems to enable multi-mission nodes at the tactical edge of the battlespace, be it Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), electronic warfare, or intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.”

OMS is an approach based on open architecture design allowing customers to rapidly add new or improved capabilities, regardless of supplier, at a reduced cost. This Northrop Grumman and Boeing joint live flight test demonstrated a key step in continuing the validation and integration of OMS-compliant systems and the ability to successfully transfer relevant active-passive kill chain data.

Northrop Grumman flew the OMS-compliant advanced sensor on its Baltimore-based CRJ testbed aircraft. (Northrop Grumman Photo/Released)

“Northrop Grumman is a pioneer in developing multi-function sensors,” said Greg Simer, vice president, air dominance and strike, Northrop Grumman. “Through our iterative development and flight demonstrations, we are focused on agile development with OMS-compliant sensors and commercial practices to prove the rapid integration of capabilities across mission sets. The result is faster and more affordable advances in sensor capabilities for U.S. forces and their allies.”

Northrop Grumman plans to integrate a combination of OMS/Open Communication Systems sensors and software-defined radios across multiple platforms, networks and nodes to address driving mission needs and ensure multi-domain interoperability. To learn more about Northrop Grumman’s role in connecting the joint force, visit the company’s website.

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Defending Freedom in a New Era of Warfare

Leslie Zychowski — Fri, 15 May 2020 13:00:00 GMT

As the world enters an entirely new era of warfare, threats continue to proliferate – from undersea to outerspace, and all domains in between. To combat this, it remains essential for U.S. allies to have mature, reliable and proven systems to defend against evolving, sophisticated threats.

As a pioneer in active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, Northrop Grumman has been at the forefront of radar innovations for more than 60 years. As existing radars continue to age and fall out of service and new threats develop, the need for longer range air surveillance radars to replace outdated radars is a necessity to ensure superior air defense of Norway.

Northrop Grumman’s AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR undergoes cold weather operations in the U.S. during a 2018 test event.

Since Northrop Grumman’s first maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft – the N-3PB – was sold to Norway in 1940, Northrop Grumman has had a long and proud history with the country. On March 8 of this year, Northrop Grumman celebrated 80 years since the first sale and beginning of a long-lasting partnership that has continued ever since.

Today, Northrop Grumman’s expertise continues to define trends in technologies and to provide more proven and affordable AESA solutions with established production lines for a family of AESA radars (AN/TPS-80 for the USMC, APG-83/SABR for F-16, and APG-81 for F-35).

With more than three decades of mobile air defense radar experience, Northrop Grumman has the unique expertise, resources, and facilities necessary for a successful deployment. Some of the world’s most advanced radars are designed, manufactured and tested by the company right in the heart of Baltimore, Maryland, making Northrop Grumman a center of excellence for radar production – but it doesn’t stop there.

Northrop Grumman has been pursuing a new way to provide maritime surveillance to Norway via the MC-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS). Triton provides near-real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) over vast ocean and coastal regions – making the world’s oceans smaller. Triton is tailored to work in pair with the P-8, which Norway is preparing to phase in over the coming years. Triton’s operating range and endurance will enable the P-8 to focus on anti-surface and anti-subsurface warfare while Triton maintains an unblinking eye on areas of interest.

Northrop Aircraft's N-3PB was a three-person patrol bomber floatplane in operation from 1941 to 1943. (Photo courtesy: Norwegian Air Force Museum). The only remaining N-3PB in the world is at the Norwegian Air Force Museum in Oslo, Norway.

With Norway’s strategically important location, high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can provide necessary, all-seeing eyes in the sky to provide surveillance over the vast sea areas that make up the High North.

Norway’s strategic location has increased the need for protection and defense of the country, on the ground, at sea and in the air. Surveillance in the arctic region of Norway, known as the High North, is a necessity – and time is of the essence. As a key member of NATO for the High North and an important ally to the United States, Norway is able to keep its eyes and ears open for old and new threats. Bringing Northrop Grumman’s technologies and solutions to fruition for its allies is important for our common security and partnership.

Northrop Grumman is building on its 80-year partnership by establishing strong industrial cooperation with Norwegian industry to provide the systems necessary to address current and emerging threats.

This strategic partnership dates back to 1940 with the sale of the first N-3PB aircraft to Norway, built by Jack Northrop of Northrop Aircraft, Inc. The first N-3PB was delivered to Norwegian forces in February 1941 for maritime surveillance, while the country was being occupied by Germany.

To this day, the company aims to support Norwegian industry with the right technology, training and tools to maintain fielded systems to provide the Norwegian warfighter the capabilities needed to maintain their systems domestically.

As future threats multiply in types and numbers, it presents new challenges for the integrated air and missile defense mission. As we enter a new era of digital transformation, we must expand capabilities and solutions across all domains – land, sea, undersea, air, space, cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum – to ensure trusted, mature solutions are always readily available to protect warfighters domestically and internationally during any mission.

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Northrop Grumman AN/APG-83 SABR Radar Achieves Initial Installation Milestone for Air National Guard F-16s

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 14:00:00 GMT

BALTIMORE – Jan. 9, 2020 – The U.S. Air Force has completed installation of Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) AN/APG-83 SABR radars on Air National Guard F-16s at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, to meet a U.S. Northern Command Joint Emergent Operational Need (JEON) for homeland defense. This milestone event completes delivery and installation of AN/APG-83 SABR Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars in support of the USAF’s future initial operational capability declaration.

Northrop Grumman’s APG-83 radar being installed in an Air National Guard’s F-16 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. (U.S. Air Force photo/released)

The radar upgrade of select Air National Guard F-16s extends the operational viability and reliability of that fleet while providing pilots with 5th-generation fighter radar capabilities to defend our nation’s airspace.

“The APG-83 radar provides unprecedented, active electronically scanned array (AESA) targeting and fire control capabilities to the F-16 fleet to ensure the superior effectiveness of the Air National Guard’s mission,” said Mark Rossi, director, SABR programs, Northrop Grumman. “APG-83 was specifically designed to maximize the performance of the F-16 with an affordable and scalable architecture, based upon advancements made through the introduction of Northrop Grumman’s APG-77 AESA for the F-22 Raptor and APG-81 AESA for the F-35 Lightning II.”

Northrop Grumman’s APG-83 radar being installed in an Air National Guard’s F-16 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. (U.S. Air Force photo/released)

The greater bandwidth, speed and agility of the APG-83 enables the F-16 to detect, track and identify a greater number of targets faster and at longer ranges. In addition, it features all-weather, high-resolution synthetic aperture radar mapping to present the pilot with a large surface image for more precise target identification and strike compared to legacy systems.

The SABR program draws components from a mature industry supply base. More than 200 SABR systems have been built at Northrop Grumman’s radar assembly facility in Baltimore for U.S. and international customers.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. Please visit news.northropgrumman.com and follow us on Twitter, @NGCNews, for more information.

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Northrop Grumman Delivers 500th AN/APG-81 AESA Radar for the F-35 Lightning II

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 14:00:00 GMT

BALTIMORE – Nov. 7, 2019 –Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has delivered its 500th AN/APG-81 fire control radar for the F-35 Lightning II. The Northrop Grumman AN/APG-81 active electronically scanned array is the cornerstone of the F-35’s advanced sensor suite, providing unparalleled battlespace situational awareness that translates into platform lethality, effectiveness and survivability.

Northrop Grumman delivered its 500th AN/APG-81 radar for the F-35 Lightning II. Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman Corporation

“As a principal member of the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 industry team, our continued investment in facilities and equipment, production enhancements in process and design, and expanded supply chain capability through second sourcing helped reach this milestone,” said Chris Fitzpatrick, director, F-35 programs, Northrop Grumman. “The 500th delivery of this top-of-the-line fighter radar was made possible by our continuous focus on quality and excellence across our company.”

The AN/APG-81 radar has long-range active and passive air-to-air and air-to-ground modes that support a wide range of demanding missions. These modes are complemented by an array of stealth features as well as electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance functions.

Northrop Grumman plays a key role in the development, modernization, sustainment and production of the F-35. In addition to producing the AN/APG-81 radar, the company manufactures the center fuselage and wing skins for the aircraft, produces and maintains several sensor systems, avionics, mission systems and mission-planning software, pilot and maintainer training systems courseware, electronic warfare simulation test capability, and low-observable technologies.

To learn more about Northrop Grumman’s role on the F-35 Lightning II, visit this website.

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Northrop Grumman Scalable Agile Beam Radar Provides Proven Capability for Multiple Platforms

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 19:00:00 GMT

BALTIMORE – Feb. 26, 2019 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has successfully integrated the advanced AN/APG-83 SABR system onto multiple configurations of F-16 aircraft and is now taking the next step in expanding to additional platforms, including the U.S. Air Force (USAF) B-52H Stratofortress and B-1B Lancer bombers as well as the U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C/D Hornet strike fighter.

Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) is available for the B-52 Bomber Modernization Radar System. Courtesy: United States Air Force

Northrop Grumman’s SABR system design leverages proven, fifth-generation Active Electronically Scanned Array radar capabilities of the AN/APG-77 on the F-22 Raptor and the AN/APG-81 on the F-35 Lightening II. SABR provides a reliable, cost-effective, off-the-shelf, low-risk radar upgrade solution for multiple platforms.

“The SABR and SABR-Global Strike family of radars provides differentiating capability for air dominance and strike missions,” said Tom Jones, vice president and general manager, airborne C4ISR systems, Northrop Grumman. “Our hot production and sustainment lines are already in place to support our current and future customers’ needs for decades to come.”

Northrop Grumman’s SABR is under consideration by Boeing for the B-52 Bomber Modernization Radar System, which includes engineering, manufacturing, development and delivery of an initial seven radar units. The USAF has expressed a desire to upgrade the entire B-52 fleet with a new radar system. Additionally, a version of SABR has been developed for the B-1B fleet.

Northrop Grumman is in full-rate production of SABR in support of F-16 upgrade programs for international and domestic customers. The company stands ready to deliver this advanced radar capability for additional platforms, including the F/A-18C/D, B-52H and B-1B.

Northrop Grumman completed a fit check on an F/A-18C/D in June 2018 and continues to offer the SABR for the U.S. Navy F/A-18 radar modernization program.

Caption: Northrop Grumman is building SABR systems for multiple configurations of the F-16 for five customers. Courtesy: United States Air Force

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Northrop Grumman Performs Successful SABR Fit-Check on F/A-18C Fighter at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 13:00:00 GMT

BALTIMORE – Aug. 13, 2018 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has successfully installed a production APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) on a U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.

At the request of the Marine Corps, Northrop Grumman successfully performed a fit check of a production APG-83 SABR on a F/A-18C Hornet at MCAS Miramar in California.

The fit check, performed August 2 at the request of the Marine Corps, demonstrated SABR is a low-risk option for installation on F/A-18C/D Hornets and that the radar can be integrated with the aircraft’s power, cooling and avionics systems.

“The Marine Corps asked for an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) solution due to the radar’s increase in reliability and sustainability with no decrease in operational performance,” said Greg Simer, vice president, integrated avionics systems, Northrop Grumman. “The Marine Corps’ stated objective is to modify an in-production, fielded AESA while meeting the current size, weight, power and cooling requirements of the F/A-18 C/D. We have proven our production APG-83 SABR radar fits into the F/A-18 C/D, achieving the objectives and bringing the technical maturity needed to attain the Marine Corps fleet insertion timelines.”

The APG-83 is a multifunction AESA fire control radar that delivers fifth-generation fighter capabilities to counter and defeat increasingly sophisticated threats.

Northrop Grumman is competing to replace the mechanically-scanned radar on F/A-18C/Ds with an AESA radar. The Marine Corps plans to upgrade the radar on approximately 100 F/A-18C/Ds. The APG-83 will address survivability, reliability and maintainability concerns for the U.S. Marine Corps.

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Northrop Grumman to Highlight Leading Global Security Capabilities at Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition 2017

Sun, 15 Oct 2017 22:00:00 GMT

Seoul ADEX 2017 to be held at Seoul Airport, Oct. 17-22

Northrop Grumman to exhibit in booth A61

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Oct. 15, 2017 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) will highlight its advanced global security capabilities at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition 2017 (Seoul ADEX 2017) in South Korea.

A media kit accompanying this release is available at: http://www.northropgrumman.com/MediaResources/MediaKits/ADEX/

Dedicated to innovation and delivering a decisive advantage to modern warfighters, Northrop Grumman offers groundbreaking options for autonomous systems, C4ISR, logistics, and multi-generation fighter interoperability and communications. In addition to product displays, company representatives and subject matter experts will be available to engage the media on these topics.

Northrop Grumman’s Global Hawk and Fire Scout aircraft provide a powerful combination of autonomous systems with the capacity to advance South Korea’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities while protecting regional interests and national security. Northrop Grumman’s Global Hawk autonomous high altitude long endurance system supports intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and environmental research operations around the globe. The MQ-8C Fire Scout is the Navy’s next generation autonomous helicopter. Fire Scout has the ability to take-off and land on any aviation-capable ship and from prepared and unprepared landing zones. Fire Scout is actively deployed with the United States Navy providing enhanced maritime surveillance and persistent targeting capabilities.

The company provides superior C4ISR capability, battlefield awareness and situational understanding through manned and unmanned platforms integrated by new, open architecture C4 systems, including Integrated Battle Management Systems (IBMS) and Remote Unmanned Ground Vehicles like Andros FX. IBMS are scalable from strategic to tactical, while supporting communications with joint and coalition forces. The Andros FX provides unmatched capabilities to defeat many threats, including vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices.

Northrop Grumman’s logistics sustainment and modernization solutions improve lifecycle affordability and have the potential to increase mission readiness for the Republic of Korea. Options include: UH-60 Black Hawk rotary wing avionics upgrades / Improved Multiple Ejector Rack and C-130 Infrared Countermeasure (IRCM) upgrades. Northrop Grumman is the premiere digital cockpit supplier and integrator for UH-60V upgrade programs, which extend life and mission capabilities. The IRCM system equips C-130 aircraft with the ability to detect and defeat heat-seeking missiles, including surface-to-air missiles.

The company provides airborne gateways for enhanced communications and greater situational awareness, with products like the Freedom 550^TM software-defined radio and APG-81 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. The Freedom 550 bridges the gap between multiple platforms using different data links, allowing fifth-generation aircraft to share tactical data securely with each other and with fourth-generation aircraft in the fleet. The APG-81 AESA radar enables pilots to effectively engage air and ground targets at long range, while also providing outstanding situational awareness for enhanced survivability and combat effectiveness.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. Please visit news.northropgrumman.com and follow us on Twitter, @NGCNews, for more information.

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United States Air Force Selects the Northrop Grumman APG-83 SABR for F-16 AESA Radar Upgrade

Wed, 07 Jun 2017 11:00:00 GMT

BALTIMORE – June 7, 2017 – The U.S. Air Force selected Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) as the active electronically scanned array (AESA) for its F-16 radar upgrade.

Northrop Grumman will upgrade 72 U.S. Air National Guard F-16s to meet a U.S. Northern Command Joint Emergent Operational Need for homeland defense.

“AESA radar upgrades are critically important to give the F-16 community, the tactical advantage it deserves, and we are honored to provide this differentiating technology for the safety and mission effectiveness of our warfighters,” said Bob Gough, vice president, combat avionics systems, Northrop Grumman. “The APG-83 SABR system is in full rate production and available now for U.S. and international F-16 upgrades.”

The radar upgrade extends the operational viability and reliability of the F-16 and provides pilots with 5th generation fighter radar capabilities to counter and defeat increasingly sophisticated threats.

The greater bandwidth, speed, and agility of Northrop Grumman’s APG-83 SABR enables the F-16 to detect, track and identify greater numbers of targets faster and at longer ranges. In addition, the radar can operate in hostile electronic environments and features all-weather, high-resolution synthetic aperture radar mapping, which presents the pilot with a large surface image enabling precision target identification and strike.

The APG-83 SABR has also been selected by a growing number of international customers and is the base radar for Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Block 70. Northrop Grumman began delivering production APG-83 radars for its first international customer on schedule at the end of 2016.

For more information about SABR, including downloadable photos, videos and more, visit www.northropgrumman.com/Capabilities/sabr/Pages/default.aspx.

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Northrop Grumman Delivers Advanced Technology Simulator for Gripen JAS 39 Fighter Aircraft

Wed, 22 Mar 2017 14:45:00 GMT

BUFFALO, N.Y. – March 22, 2017 – Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) Amherst Systems business unit has delivered a Combat Electromagnetic Environment Simulator (CEESIM) to SAAB AB, Surveillance in Jarfalla, Sweden. CEESIM will perform aircraft testing on the Gripen JAS 39 multirole fighter.

The CEESIM system includes the advanced pulse generation (APG) capability, which uses the latest digital technology to generate advanced waveforms. It also features the ability to perform digital modeling of multiple active electronically scanned array (AESA) antennas. When coupled with CEESIM’s angle-of-arrival modeling and controlled by a state-of-the-art graphical user interface, the system is immediately transformed into the most powerful, advanced simulator available.

“This delivery represents the continuation of a long-standing relationship with SAAB and confirms our dedication to the success of their mission,” said Joe Downie, site director of Northrop Grumman’s Buffalo-based Amherst Systems. “CEESIM’s high-speed direct digital synthesizer technology brings significant advantages to SAAB, including higher modulation sample rates, wide bandwidth precision intrapulse modulation, higher frequency resolution and accuracy, and reduced calibration time. The APG utilizes a modular design for improved maintainability. All of this leads to lower cost and increased system reliability.”

This marks the first international delivery of a CEESIM system with APG technology.

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