C4ISR - Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman Demonstrates Next Generation Electronic Warfare and Radar Interoperability at Northern Lightning

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 16:55:00 GMT

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. – Sept. 9, 2021 – Making its first test flight, the Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) Next Generation Electronic Warfare (NGEW) system joined the AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) at Exercise Northern Lightning. NGEW and SABR demonstrated full interoperability in a realistic and contested electromagnetic spectrum environment.

In August, a Northrop Grumman test bed aircraft (pictured) flew with the company’s F-16 Next Generation Electronic Warfare and AN/APG-83 SABR systems in a dense electromagnetic spectrum environment at the Northern Lightning joint training exercise. (Northrop Grumman photo)

“When an EW system and a radar are able to work together fully, as demonstrated with NGEW and SABR, pilots can take advantage of capability without compromise,” said James Conroy, vice president, navigation, targeting and survivability, Northrop Grumman. “With the radio frequency (RF) spectrum becoming increasingly contested, this critical set of capabilities will support the F-16 for many years to come.”

Flying on the company’s test bed aircraft, NGEW and SABR demonstrated full pulse-to-pulse, multi-function interoperability in a contested operational environment. With SABR successfully engaging multiple air and ground targets, NGEW detected and identified a range of advanced threats, employing advanced jamming techniques capable of defeating those threats when required.

At the exercise, the two systems faced a high-density radio frequency environment generated by the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, Joint Threat Emitters. These threat emitters allowed Northern Lightning participants to fly missions under conditions representative of near-peer electromagnetic spectrum environments.

NGEW leverages an open-systems, ultra-wideband architecture, providing the instantaneous bandwidth needed to defeat modern threats. This F-16 system is part of a mature product line of electronic warfare capabilities that can be adapted to virtually any platform. An F-16 will fly with the safety of flight-certified NGEW system in the summer of 2022.

Building on a 40-year legacy of producing radars for the F-16, Northrop Grumman provides the SABR APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) fire control radar for the F-16 with advanced capabilities derived from Northrop Grumman’s family of highly successful 5th generation fighter AESA radars. 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 agreement was issued under SOSSEC Consortium’s Air Force Open System Acquisition Initiative (OSAI) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) for prototyping. Northrop Grumman will continue to team with non-traditional defense contractors for the execution of this OTA project.

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.

Approved for Public Release; Distribution Unlimited:

AFRL-2021-3032 dated 08 Sep 2021

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Northrop Grumman Demonstrates Connectivity for Long Range Command and Control

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 13:00:00 GMT

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. – Sept. 8, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) successfully demonstrated a data link for connecting aircraft in highly contested airspace for long-range command and control through an open architecture network. This experiment is a critical milestone in the evolution of a distributed multi-domain battle management command and control architecture that maintains decision superiority for the U.S. military and allies.

“Northrop Grumman technologies, built on advanced low size, weight and power electronics, enable integrated and secure communications across domains supporting the Department of Defense’s JADC2 strategy,” said Tom Pieronek, chief technology officer and vice president, research & technology, Northrop Grumman. “Northrop Grumman remains committed to delivering capabilities that maintain strategic advantage for the U.S. and its allies across all domains and against all adversaries.”

The flight demonstration is the first integration of a new mission-specific military transceiver, multi-level security data switches, and open architecture wide-area networking, utilizing commercial technology into the observe, orient, decide and act loop – the decision-making chain for threat engagements.

This is a key step toward harnessing the power of a network into critical domains for national security missions. The flight demonstration linked the Scaled Composites Proteus, a High-Altitude, Long-Endurance research aircraft, with a Firebird, an unmanned air vehicle with the capability to be flown manned, through an advanced line-of-sight data link with low probability of intercept/low probability of detection characteristics that includes anti-jam properties.

The aircraft established a link, performed a simulated ISR mission, and connected back to a cloud-based 5G network testbed through a novel prototype multi-level security switch.

Northrop Grumman’s advanced battle management technologies help warfighters and branches of the military easily communicate and securely share mission critical data across air, land, sea and space to speed up decision timelines and maintain a strategic advantage in an age of data-driven conflict.

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AARGM-ER Missile Achieves Successful Milestone C Decision

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 14:00:00 GMT

LOS ANGELES – Sept. 2, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announced the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER), developed under contract with the U.S. Navy, has successfully achieved a Milestone C decision, authorizing the company as the program’s prime contractor the entry into low rate initial production (LRIP).

The AARGM-ER is launched from a US Navy F/A-18 during a successful live fire test at Point Mugu Sea Test Range, California. (U.S. Navy Photo)

“The additional capabilities of AARGM-ER, coupled with its high-performance air vehicle, will provide our fleet with the most advanced weapon system to defeat evolving surface-to-air threats,” said Capt. A.C. “Count” Dutko, Navy Program Manager for Direct and Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242). “Our team has continued to prove the maturity of the system and we are confident AARGM-ER is ready to commence low rate production.”

This decision enables the start of the production to support future deployment of the AARGM-ER to the fleet and achievement of initial operating capability.

“AARGM, and now AARGM-ER, is a time-critical capability that protects and enhances the capabilities of the U.S. Navy and the evolving threats they encounter,” said Gordon Turner, vice president, advanced weapons, Northrop Grumman. “We are honored to continue providing advanced suppression and destruction of enemy air defense products to the warfighters with this significant expansion to our missile prime business.”

AARGM-ER is a major upgrade to the existing AARGM missile, currently in production and fielded with the Navy today.

AARGM-ER is being integrated on the Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft as well as the Air Force F-35A, Marine Corps F-35B, and Navy F-35C aircraft.

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Northrop Grumman Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar Production Ramps Up

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 12:00:00 GMT

Photo credit: U.S. Marine Corps photos, released

BALTIMORE – Sept. 2, 2021 – (PHOTO RELEASE) Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has delivered its 15th AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) multi-mission radar system to the U.S. Marine Corps, completing the low-rate initial production phase of the program. The team recently fielded the first full-rate production system to the Marine Corps and will continue deliveries through 2024. Providing enhanced mission capabilities, software upgrades and logistics support are expected to continue through G/ATOR’s 30-year lifetime.

For more information about G/ATOR, please click here.

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Northrop Grumman and Martin UAV Conduct Successful Flight Test for Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 13:00:00 GMT

MCLEAN, Va. – Sept. 1, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and Martin UAV (a Shield AI company) have completed successful flight testing of a V-BAT unmanned aircraft system (UAS) with new features including GPS-denied navigation and target designation capabilities.

Northrop Grumman and Martin UAV conduct flight testing of Martin UAV’s V-BAT aircraft for the US Army’s Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System effort in Camp Grafton, North Dakota.

“The enhanced V-BAT offers a near zero footprint, flexible vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability that is based on a platform deployed operationally today, to address the U.S. Army’s Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) mission,” said Kenn Todorov, sector vice president and general manager, global sustainment and modernization, Northrop Grumman. “The team brings more than 30 years’ experience in the production, delivery and sustainment of unmanned aircraft systems to support this critical mission today and into the future.”

For FTUAS, the U.S. Army is seeking a rapidly deployable, GPS-denied navigation-capable, expeditionary VTOL system capable of persistent aerial reconnaissance for U.S. Army Brigade Combat Teams, Special Forces, and Ranger battalions.

The offering is based on the industry leading Martin UAV V-BAT UAS. It is compact, lightweight, simple to operate, and can be set up, launched and recovered by a two-soldier team in confined environments. The V-BAT also is designed with sufficient payload capacity to carry a range of interchangeable payloads, including electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR), synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and electronic warfare (EW) payloads, depending on mission-specific requirements. Additionally, Shield AI’s recent acquisition of Martin UAV will enable rapid development of GPS-denied and autonomy capabilities for V-BAT through the future porting of Shield AI’s autonomy stack, Hivemind onto V-BAT.

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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.

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Northrop Grumman Demonstrates Open Architecture High-Speed Connectivity

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:00:00 GMT

SAN DIEGO – Aug. 17, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has validated the open architecture nature of its advanced gateway system offering by successfully integrating and demonstrating a new High Capacity Backbone (HCB) capability provided by L3Harris Technologies with one of Northrop Grumman’s platform agnostic gateway systems. By combining existing gateway translations across existing data links and AI enhanced networking, Northrop Grumman was able to rapidly integrate and demonstrate a new capability in a live over-the-air test, which was set up in less than a week.

Northrop Grumman’s HCB-enabled gateway solutions are designed to provide high-speed, secure, open and platform agnostic communications capabilities that will help the Department of Defense realize its vision of decision superiority for Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2).

The introduction of next-generation HCB gateway capabilities will enable data flow 300 times faster than the speeds previously available to take advantage of processing speeds needed to help unlock the advanced network architecture needed for the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) effort.

“With this successful demonstration, we have taken HCB-enabled gateways from concept to reality in less than one year,” said Ian Reynolds, director, network solutions, Northrop Grumman. “Our platform agnostic, HCB-enabled gateway systems are designed to deliver the enhanced connectivity and secure processing speeds needed to introduce a wide range of new capabilities that will be critical for maintaining a technological advantage in network-centric, all-domain environments.”

This trial featured an L3Harris HCB system using AESA apertures supporting 600 Mbps and showcased our teams ability to move quickly to integrate new gateway capabilities from industry partners and deliver the Open Mission System and Open Communications System (OMS-OCS) capabilities needed for the JADC2 network using industry standard hardware (3U VPX).

Northrop Grumman’s family of open architecture gateways are designed to gather data from the HCB network and quickly share actionable information across air, land, sea and space domains. These gateways include a multi-level security system and advanced functions such as cloud computing, machine learning, secure and ethical artificial intelligence, next generation datalinks and the use of third-party software and sensor solutions. By gathering information from multiple platforms using beyond line-of-sight, line-of-sight voice and data networks—including 5th generation networks—Northrop Grumman’s HCB-enabled gateway systems will significantly enhance the situational awareness picture for warfighters operating in JADC2 environments.

“As the premier provider of high capacity directional CDL networks, L3Harris looks forward to supporting the DoD’s JADC2 efforts with future HCB team demonstrations,” said Ron Fehlen, VP & GM, U.S. Air Force programs, L3Harris. “Our resilient communications, airborne fielded datalinks, and high bandwidth allows a High Capacity Backbone to move massive data rapidly across networks and create path diversity over the tactical edge to keep warfighters connected.”

Northrop Grumman’s advanced networking technologies, including its HCB gateway systems, help warfighters and branches of the military easily communicate and securely share a Common Operational Picture to create actionable information across air, land, sea and space.

L3Harris is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers’ mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains. L3Harris has approximately $18 billion in annual revenue and 47,000 employees, with customers in more than 100 countries.

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 Open Architecture UH-60V Avionics Suite Enters Service

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 12:00:00 GMT

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – Aug. 11, 2021 – The UH-60V Black Hawk helicopter, enabled by the Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) integrated avionics suite, has entered service with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s unit at Fort Indiantown Gap. This First Unit Equipped milestone marks the entry into service of the Army’s first helicopter with a modular, open architecture systems design, Northrop Grumman’s OpenLift.

The UH-60V has achieved the First Unit Equipped milestone, entering service with the Pennsylvania National Guard. (U.S. Army photo)

“The UH-60V’s entry into service is a capstone achievement that speaks to the whole team’s dedication, commitment and longtime partnership with the Army and the National Guard. We’ve now brought a transformational aircraft to fruition,” said James Conroy, vice president, navigation, targeting & survivability, Northrop Grumman.

The UH-60V enhances aircrew situational understanding and mission safety while reducing pilot workload. The pilot-vehicle interface is nearly identical to that of the UH-60M, enabling common training and operational employment. The system has been certified by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation Missile Center for operation under Visual Flight Rules.

Northrop Grumman’s UH-60V integrated mission equipment package offers our OpenLift open architecture and a modernized glass cockpit. (Northrop Grumman photo)

“The OpenLift modular, open systems architecture gives the Army a highly survivable UH-60 that can be upgraded over time to meet changing mission requirements, and it bridges the enduring and Future Vertical Lift fleets,” said Conroy.

OpenLift, Northrop Grumman’s modular open systems architecture for the UH-60V, can be adapted to numerous aircraft and is approved for export.

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Northrop Grumman Australia Selected as One of Two Potential Strategic Partners for the Australian Defence Force’s Joint Air Battle Management System

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 21:00:00 GMT

CANBERRA, Australia – Aug. 6, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Australia (NYSE: NOC) has been shortlisted as one of two potential strategic partners of the Commonwealth of Australia for the design, development and delivery of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) Joint Air Battle Management System under the AIR6500 Phase 1 project.

Through AIR6500 Phase 1, the Commonwealth is seeking a strategic partner to steward the architecture of a highly complex Joint Air Battle Management System (JABMS) while supporting ADF multi-domain operations in an increasingly complex future air and joint battlefield environment.

“Northrop Grumman’s unmatched expertise in developing complex, multi-domain, multi-mission weapons systems will help meet Australia's sovereign Integrated Air and Missile Defence needs both today and into the future,” said Christine Zeitz, general manager, Northrop Grumman Asia Pacific. “Working with twelve leading Australian SMEs, like Nova Systems Australia, AOS Group and Daronmont Technologies as some of our capability partners, we will employ a highly collaborative ‘JABMS Enterprise’ approach, bringing together the best capabilities developed by Australia’s Defence industry.”

Northrop Grumman Australia’s proposed solution for the AIR6500 Phase 1 project offers an enduring and innovative Australian sovereign capability for the delivery, sustainment and ongoing evolution of the nation’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) capability. This solution will contribute towards the delivery of a fifth-generation JABMS capability for the defence of Australia to help protect the ADF and allied forces from a diverse range of air and missile threats in a rapidly changing operational environment.

“Our US team, in partnership with our Australian colleagues, looks forward to providing our advanced architecture that has been deployed successfully across a number of joint all domain command and control programs, including Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS),” said Christine Harbison, vice president and general manager, combat systems and mission readiness, Northrop Grumman. “Our approach provides significant opportunities for enduring and innovative Australian industry participation in the ongoing design, development, integration, delivery and sustainment of the JABMS capability.”

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Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range Completes First Successful Missile Live Fire

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 12:00:00 GMT

LOS ANGELES – Aug. 2, 2021 –The U.S. Navy has successfully completed the first live fire of the Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER) from a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet. The test was conducted on July 19 at the Point Mugu Sea Range off the coast of southern California. The missile successfully demonstrated the long range capability of the new missile design.

“The AARGM-ER was successfully launched from the F/A-18 aircraft and met the key test objectives of a first missile live fire event. The government and industry team had great focus and was able to conduct this test event three months earlier than originally envisioned,” said Captain A.C. “Count” Dutko, Navy Program Manager for Direct Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242).

AARGM-ER leverages AARGM with significant improvements in some technology areas.

“Throughout the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase, Northrop Grumman has demonstrated the ability to deliver this affordable, time-critical capability that will protect and enhance the capability of our U.S. Navy aircrew,” said Gordon Turner, vice president, advanced weapons, Northrop Grumman. “Congratulations to the collective Government-Industry team for another successful milestone bringing AARGM-ER one step closer to operational fielding.”

AARGM-ER is being integrated on the Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft as well as the Air Force F-35A, Marine Corps F-35B, and Navy and Marine Corps F-35C aircraft.

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Northrop Grumman Continues Production of Launcher Subsystem Hardware

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 15:00:00 GMT

SUNNYVALE, Calif. – July 30, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is continuing production of Launcher Subsystem hardware in support of the Columbia and Dreadnought common missile compartment (CMC) program. The company was awarded an additional $69 million not to exceed contract modification in support of the program in March of this year.

Northrop Grumman is producing the launcher subsystem for a common missile compartment for the U.S. Navy’s Columbia and the Royal Navy’s Dreadnought submarines.

The CMC is a joint United States and United Kingdom investment and design, and it was developed to produce a common missile compartment, representing significant cost savings for each navy’s Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN) fleet.

As the original and only designer and manufacturer for the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Program’s (SSP) submarine ballistic missile launch system since its inception in 1956, Northrop Grumman remains at the forefront of the technologies related to this capability.

“We are using Agile manufacturing processes to design and build launcher systems for the U.S. Navy’s Columbia and the Royal Navy’s Dreadnought Class SSBNs,” said Joe Mulloy, vice president, marine systems, Northrop Grumman. “Building on our legacy, sharing a common missile compartment with the UK greatly streamlines production and deepens our collective strength.”

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Seeing Double

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 13:00:00 GMT

On the modern, dynamic battlefield, agility and connectivity are decisive advantages. Agile and networked warfighters who rapidly adapt to changing adversary tactics, techniques and technologies in real time can outmaneuver and win.

The same goes for the weapon systems those warfighters employ. Modern, software-defined weapon systems that feature multi-functionality and adaptability are needed so that they can continually evolve to counteract new threats.

A Digital-First Sensor

The Marine Corps’ premier air defense radar, the AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) – developed and produced by Northrop Grumman – is one such weapon system. A digital-first sensor, the AN/TPS-80 cyclically receives capability updates with every software load. Its hardware is being improved too – such as transitioning to higher-performance gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor components from gallium arsenide (GaAs) and by adding transmit/receive modules for longer-range capability.

Northrop Grumman invested in the AN/TPS-80 to become even more agile by creating a digital transformation roadmap and completing initial versions of a digital model or “digital twin” where new software or engineering changes can be developed, demonstrated and deployed in a virtual environment before fielding.

“We’re embracing digital transformation throughout the system lifecycle to deliver solutions with the agility, speed and affordability that our customers require while pushing the bounds of physics,” said Mike Meaney, vice president, land and maritime sensors, Northrop Grumman. “With integrated digital technologies and models, and investments in creating a digital twin, what previously could take years to deploy to the field can be reduced to hours.”

This adaptability of the AN/TPS-80 was demonstrated in a number of field trials and system tests conducted over the past year. At a U.S. government test range, engineers assessed the radar’s ability to withstand varying electronic attack techniques. Northrop Grumman’s engineering team was able to detect and respond to those electronic attacks by implementing countermeasures through software updates in mere hours as compared to days.

The AN/TPS-80 is in full-rate production for the Marine Corps. The service recently awarded Northrop Grumman $236.9 million for eight additional systems.

Value of Connectivity

When multifunction sensors like AN/TPS-80 are securely networked together instead of operating independently, situational awareness and mission effectiveness is significantly enhanced for warfighters operating across all domains. This connectivity goes beyond Marine Corps operations by delivering a 360-degree, multi-dimensional view of the airspace to all of the services.

In the context of the government’s Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiatives, all radars operating in theatre – regardless of which service owns them – become a sensing node in the larger, multi-domain warfighting internet of military things (IoMT).

“Creating a secure, open and truly integrated communications network architecture will be critical to maintaining the strategic advantage needed in the age of data-driven conflict,” said Jenna Paukstis, vice president, communications solutions, Northrop Grumman. “Northrop Grumman’s leading advanced networking and sensor technologies will be foundational elements to helping the DOD create this interoperability through rapid deployment of capabilities to realize its vision for JADC2.”

Northrop Grumman is leading the way in enabling that connectivity through the design and delivery of open architecture, platform agnostic, all-domain technologies, including its integrated Communications, Navigation and Identification solutions; software-defined Freedom radios and gateway systems; cutting-edge information assurance and multi-level security offerings; advanced waveform technologies; and other emerging IoMT applications.

To learn more about how Northrop Grumman is defining possible in digital technology, visit Northrop Grumman's Digital Transformation.

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Northrop Grumman Awarded UK Ministry of Defence C2 Digital Enterprise Agreement

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 13:00:00 GMT

LONDON – July 21, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has signed a digital enterprise agreement for Interoperable C4I Services (ICS) and command and control (C2) technical consultancy with Defence Digital, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) organisation responsible for making sure that effective digital and information technology is put into the hands of the military and business front line.

ICS combines an open architecture and a unique set of track management and situational awareness capabilities to facilitate the creation, visualisation and distribution of the common operating picture. This picture provides military commanders the information they need to plan, execute and manage military operations.

“Northrop Grumman in the UK has a long history of providing enhanced value and commercial flexibility for the MoD,” said Katharine Sealy, director, National Security Solutions, Northrop Grumman UK. “Our agile approach to C2 software development and open architectural design philosophy helps to ensure that UK forces maintain an information advantage.”

ICS is developed and supported in the UK, and it has continuously evolved to provide the core C2 systems for UK MoD and NATO HQs/ships for over 25 years. It is also fielded by many other nations to power their national C2 systems.

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US Army IBCS Flight Test Demonstrates Joint Engagement in Electronic Attack Environment

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 16:10:00 GMT

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – July 15, 2021 – The U.S. Army successfully engaged a cruise missile target in an highly contested electronic attack environment during a developmental flight test using the Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS).

The latest flight test integrated the widest variety of sensors to date on the IFCN for an IBCS test, including one Marine Corps G/ATOR, two Army Sentinel radars, one Army Patriot radar and two U.S. Air Force F-35 fighter aircraft.

The test at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico demonstrated the integration of IBCS and the U.S. Marine Corps AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) system, also manufactured by Northrop Grumman. The flight test incorporated first-time live testing and demonstration of a Joint Track Manager Capability (JTMC) which provided a bridge between IBCS and the Navy’s Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), enabling the sharing of G/ATOR track data on the IBCS Integrated Fire Control Network (IFCN). With support from Lockheed Martin, the flight test architecture also incorporated two F-35 combat aircraft integrated on the IFCN with on board sensors contributing to the IBCS developed joint composite track used to perform the engagement.

“The integration of additional sensors from multiple services continues to show the power inherent in the IBCS architecture and design to incorporate and integrate joint sensors across multiple domains,” said Christine Harbison, vice president and general manager, combat systems and mission readiness, Northrop Grumman. “By enabling joint operation and utilizing multiple sensors operating in various bands, IBCS was able to operate through the electronic attack environment so soldiers can identify, track and ultimately intercept the threat.”

Two surrogate cruise missiles were launched in the test, one performing the electronic attack mission to disrupt radar performance, and the other flying a threat profile targeting friendly assets. Soldiers of the 3-6 Air and Missile Defense Test Detachment used IBCS to track the surrogate cruise missile targets, identify the threatening missile, and launch a Patriot Advanced Capability Three (PAC-3) interceptor.

The latest flight test success integrated the widest variety of sensors to date on the IFCN for an IBCS test, including one Marine Corps G/ATOR, two Army Sentinel radars, one Army Patriot radar and two U.S. Air Force F-35 fighter aircraft.

The Gallium Nitride-based AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR is a digital, software-defined advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) multi-mission radar that provides comprehensive real time, full-sector, 360-degree situational tracking against a broad array of threats.

This was the eighth of eight successful developmental or operational flight tests performed with the IBCS program. The test was conducted as risk reduction prior to beginning the Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E) phase this fall. IOT&E is a comprehensive test of IBCS system performance which will be conducted under realistic operational conditions prior to system employment. The IOT&E informs a Department of Defense and U.S. Army initial operational capability decision.

Northrop Grumman is pioneering joint all-domain command and control with IBCS. The system’s resilient, open, modular, scalable architecture is foundational to deploying a truly integrated network of all available assets in the battlespace, regardless of source, service or domain. IBCS enables the efficient and affordable integration of current and future systems, including assets deployed over IP-enabled networks, counter-UAS systems, 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft, space-based sensors and more. It senses, identifies, tracks and defeats evolving air and missile threats, enabling revolutionary “all-domain, every sensor, best effector” operations.

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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 Building ‘Justified Confidence’ for Integrated Artificial Intelligence Systems

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 13:00:00 GMT

“Justified confidence” in artificial intelligence is more than just new buzzwords. It’s about developing AI systems that are robust, reliable and accountable, and ensuring these attributes can be verified and validated.

The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence’s (NSCAI) Final Report highlights emerging consensus on the principles for using AI ethically and responsibly for defense and intelligence applications.

As the report states, if AI systems do not work as designed or are unpredictable, “leaders will not adopt them, operators will not use them, Congress will not fund them, and the American people will not support them.”

That is why justified confidence is so important for AI-enabled systems.

Essential technology for national defense

AI is pivotal technology. It is already ubiquitous in our everyday lives, from streaming services to navigation apps to secure banking.

But AI is also playing a role in national defense, such as way-finding for unmanned vehicles, automated target recognition, and many other applications that prize speed, scale and efficiency. Certain functions are simply not possible using traditional computation or manual processes.

The power of AI is its ability to learn and adapt to changing situations. The battlefield is a dynamic environment and the side that adapts fastest gains the advantage.

But like with all systems, AI is vulnerable to attack and failure. To truly harness the power of AI technology, developers must align with the ethical principles adopted by the U.S. Department of Defense.

To achieve this, companies like Northrop Grumman require a cohesive policy and governance processes for AI, spanning from development to testing and operations.

An Integrated Approach For Secure and Ethical AI

No one entity has all the answers. Delivering on the promise of robust, reliable and accountable AI systems requires a team effort – industry, government and academia all have roles to play.

Northrop Grumman is taking a systems engineering approach to AI development and is a conduit for pulling in university research, commercial best practices and government expertise and oversight.

One of our partners is a Silicon Valley startup, Credo AI. They are sharing their governance tools as we apply comprehensive, relevant ethical AI policies to guide in own our AI development. We are also working with universities like Carnegie Mellon to develop new secure and ethical AI best practices, in addition to collaborating with leading commercial companies to advance AI technology.

Another step the company is taking is to extend our DevSecOps process to automate and document best practices in the development, testing, deployment, and monitoring of AI software systems.

Critical to success is Northrop Grumman’s AI workforce – because knowing how to develop AI technology is just one piece of the complex mosaic. Our AI engineers also understand the mission implications of the technology they develop to ensure operational effectiveness of AI systems in its intended mission space. That why we continue to invest in a mission-focused AI workforce through formal training, mentoring and apprenticeship programs.

To learn more about how Northrop Grumman is defining possible in AI, visit: https://www.northropgrumman.com/cyber/artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning/

Aligning with the DoD’s Five Ethical Principles of AI

Northrop Grumman’s secure DevSecOps practices and mission-focused employee training helps to ensure appropriate use of judgment and care in responsible AI development.

We strive for equitable algorithms and minimize the potential for unintended bias by leveraging a diverse engineering team and testing for data bias using commercial best practices, among other monitoring techniques.

We developed tools to provide an immutable log of data provenance, ensuring traceable, transparent, and auditable development processes.

We enable reliability through an emphasis on mission understanding to develop explicit, well-defined cases in which our AI systems will operate. Leveraging best practices, our work in AI governance enables robust risk assessment, algorithmic transparency and graceful termination when required.

This integrated approach from development to operation is essential to achieving justified confidence in our AI-enabled systems.

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Northrop Grumman to Build More Combat-Proven Infrared Countermeasure Systems

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 13:00:00 GMT

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. – June 25, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) will install more life-saving Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) systems on U.S. and international fixed-wing and rotary wing aircraft under a $146 million order from the U.S. Air Force.

Crucial to keeping aircrews safe, LAIRCM automatically detects emerging missile threats and uses a high-intensity, laser-based countermeasure system to track and defeat missiles.

The award is part of an existing indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to Northrop Grumman for LAIRCM upgrades, modifications and installations on a wide range of aircraft, including the C-17, C-5, C-130J, P-8, CH-53K, KC-46 and platforms operated by international customers.

“Northrop Grumman has been protecting U.S. Air Force platforms from missile threats for more than 25 years,” said Bob Gough, vice president, navigation, targeting and survivability, Northrop Grumman. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering advanced aircraft survivability systems that help ensure aircrews make it home safely.”

Northrop Grumman’s family of countermeasure systems such as LAIRCM and the new Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) system are installed on more than 1,500 aircraft of 85 different types, providing spherical protection by detecting, tracking and jamming incoming infrared threats. The most advanced aircraft survivability equipment available, it defeats threats by directing a high-intensity laser beam into the eye of the fast-moving missile’s infrared seeker.

Using a range of industry best practices to achieve agility, Northrop Grumman leverages its years of infrared countermeasure expertise in a modern, modularized agile framework to continue providing capable and adaptable LAIRCM systems to the U.S. Air Force.

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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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Modernized Electronic Warfare for the Global F-16 Fleet

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 13:00:00 GMT

As the electromagnetic spectrum becomes more contested and congested worldwide, modern electronic warfare systems are essential equipment for tactical aircraft. Northrop Grumman’s F-16 electronic warfare suite for international operators draws upon the technologies developed for the United States F-16 fleet. Known as the ALQ-131C, this fully modernized, digital system is ready to defend against current and future threats.

Fifth generation EW capabilities for the fourth generation

The reliable, sustainable and affordable pod is designed to give the fourth generation fleet the EW capabilities and performance of fifth generation aircraft. This important capability can play an important role in keeping the F-16 relevant for the duration of the platform’s lifespan.

Northrop Grumman’s ALQ-131C electronic warfare system uses an ultra wideband architecture designed to counter current and emerging threats.

With the integration of the APG-83 AESA radar, the F-16 gains new radio frequency sensing and targeting capabilities. Ensuring that the electronic warfare system would work effectively with the radar was a top design goal of the engineering team.

“The F-16 EW Suite has proven pulse-to-pulse interoperability with the APG-83 AESA radar. Our goal was to maximize the performance of both of these critical radio frequency systems to provide enhanced survivability and lethality to the platform. Our extensive testing confirms the success of this approach,” said Jim Jensen, Technical Fellow at Northrop Grumman.

Commonality with the U.S. F-16 program of record provides a path to long-term access to upgrades and affordable sustainment, so operators can always keep up with the state of the art.

Leading technology that counters the threat

“Our customers are facing a greater radio frequency threat to their tactical aircraft than ever before. Our ALQ-131C, and the U.S. F-16 electronic warfare suite, are bringing the latest digital RF survivability technologies to overcome this challenge,” said James Conroy, vice president, navigation, targeting and survivability, Northrop Grumman.

Electronic countermeasures protect warfighters from threats by detecting and applying jamming techniques to them.

The ALQ-131C is designed to detect and identify known, emerging and envisioned future threats in even dense, complex threat environments. The ALQ-131C’s high sensitivity digital receiver, high speed processors and Digital Radio Frequency Memory enable high fidelity digital signal generation. It is designed to defeat threat systems by applying the optimal coherent and/or non-coherent jamming technique. This level of protection enables the freedom of maneuver necessary to carry out the many missions of international operators.

Northrop Grumman’s open systems EW architecture offers the bandwidth needed to detect and defeat the most sophisticated RF threats, including agile air defense systems. Shared across the company’s family of EW systems, which includes capabilities for fighters, airlifters and rotary wing aircraft, this pioneering technology can protect virtually any platform or mission.

As RF threats continue to proliferate, effective electronic warfare systems are urgently needed to keep pilots safe and ensure mission success. Interoperable, affordable and sustainable, Northrop Grumman’s ALQ-131C offers advanced EW capabilities for the global F-16 fleet today.

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Northrop Grumman Delivers First SEWIP Block 3 System to US Navy

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 13:00:00 GMT

BALTIMORE – June 11, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has delivered the AN/SLQ-32(V)7 Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 3 Engineering and Development Model (EDM) to the U.S. Navy for land-based testing. The official transfer was marked at an event with company and Navy program officials at Northrop Grumman’s systems integration facility in Baltimore, Maryland.

The AN/SLQ-32(V)7 SEWIP Block 3 system shipped to the U.S. Navy for formal land-based testing at the Naval Sea Systems Command Surface Combat Systems Center in Wallops Island, Virginia.

“The AN/SLQ-32(V)7 EDM delivery to the U.S. Navy for continued government land-based testing following formal qualification testing is a significant achievement for the SEWIP Block 3 program,” said Captain Jason Hall, the Navy’s Major Program Manager of Above Water Sensors and Lasers. “SEWIP Block 3 provides a critical electronic warfare capability to the Fleet to pace the evolving anti-ship missile threat.”

Northrop Grumman successfully completed SEWIP Block 3 system integration and formal qualification testing as part of the engineering, manufacturing and development contract. This milestone indicates that the system is ready to transition to the U.S. Navy for formal land-based testing at the Naval Sea Systems Command Surface Combat Systems Center in Wallops Island, Virginia.

“This delivery represents the next step in a multi-year effort to take SEWIP from the laboratory to the hands of the warfighter,” said Mike Meaney, vice president, land and maritime sensors, Northrop Grumman. “Providing the comprehensive hardware-defined, software-enabled system to the Navy proves out the final design and signifies the end of the engineering, manufacturing and development phase.”

To learn more about the SEWIP program, visit https://www.northropgrumman.com/SEWIP.

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