Global - Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman Australia Delivers Triton NITE Capability Ahead of Schedule

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 21:00:00 GMT

CANBERRA, Australia – Sept. 1, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Australia (NYSE: NOC) has successfully delivered the Triton Network Integration Test Environment (NITE) to the Commonwealth of Australia ahead of schedule, marking another milestone in the Australian MQ-4C Triton program.

FLTLT Douglas Hogg and FLTLT Davis Strauss from the ISR Transition Office at RAAF Base Edinburgh reviewing the Triton network configuration files on the newly delivered Network Integration Test Environment.

Developed by Northrop Grumman and based at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Edinburgh, NITE will support Chief Information Officer Group (CIOG) to configure and test the array of Triton network interfaces and systems prior to the delivery of the first aircraft to Australia in 2023. Critically, NITE enables CIOG to design and test Triton’s network architecture on Defence wide area networks.

“This program will derisk the first Triton aircraft arriving into Australia and leverage the expertise and lessons learned from Northrop Grumman and the US Navy,” said Christine Zeitz, general manager, Northrop Grumman Asia Pacific. “We are establishing sovereign capability to support the Triton program which once established will revolutionise maritime ISR in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Despite challenges presented by COVID-19 restrictions, Northrop Grumman’s engineering teams in the United States and Australia worked closely together to achieve the delivery milestone, leveraging experience learned through supporting the U.S. Navy’s Triton roll-out.

Beyond the successful delivery of the NITE capability, Northrop Grumman is working closely with the U.S. Navy to progress Triton toward initial operating capability and global deployments. The U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman achieved the first flight of the multi-intelligence variant on July 30.

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 Global Hawk Connects the Joint Force in Advanced Battle Management System Exercise

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 13:00:00 GMT

SAN DIEGO – Aug. 19, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) RQ-4B Block 30 Global Hawk, with imagery and signals intelligence collection capabilities, was utilized by the United States Air Force during Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) exercises for the United States European Command. Global Hawk plays a significant role in autonomous high-altitude, long-endurance systems in support of numerous missions.

“Global Hawk is critical today and indispensable tomorrow as we continue to invest in new capabilities to improve system flexibility, resilience and responsiveness,” said Leslie Smith, vice president, Global Hawk, Northrop Grumman. “We are adopting proven advancements in technology and infrastructure to provide modernized cockpits, dynamic mission rerouting, OMS compliant payload computing, universal payload adapters and IP-based communications.”

Global Hawk is the premier autonomous high-altitude, long-endurance ISR platform for the U.S. Air Force and global partners. No other system provides a better combination of range, endurance and payload capacity, as demonstrated by the U.S. Air Force’s continuous use of Global Hawk to collect intelligence and deter regional threats for the past two decades.

To meet future operational needs, Global Hawk can extend and connect beyond its traditional strategic ISR mission and serve as an airborne network edge node, providing persistent communications relay and secure processing without putting personnel in harm’s way. These capabilities will be critical to helping realize the Department of Defense’s Joint-All Domain Command and Control vision.

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グローバルホーク・オペレーターの経験を刷新する、ノースロップ・グラマン地上セグメント近代化プログラム

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 16:00:00 GMT

ノースロップ・グラマン　RQ-4 グローバルホーク　ブロック40

サンディエゴ – 2021年8月6日 – ノースロップ・グラマン社（NYSE: NOC）のRQ-4グローバルホーク地上セグメント近代化プログラム（GSMP）は、2020年の当該機の初飛行の後、現在、インテグレーション及び試験段階にあります。本プログラムは、パイロット及びセンサー・オペレーターの状況把握能力を強化するとともに任務遂行能力全般をさらに向上させることになる、新しいコックピット・ディスプレイを提供するものです。またGSMPは、グローバルホーク近代化取り組みにおける一連の構成プログラムの一つとして、今後、全世界のほぼ同等もしくは同等の脅威を監視し抑止するシステムの能力を強化していくことになります。このシステムの運用試験・評価は予定どおり2022年10月に完了する見込みです。

グローバルホークの詳細な情報についてはこちらをご覧ください。

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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 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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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 Completes Successful First Flight of Japan’s Second RQ-4B Global Hawk

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 15:00:00 GMT

SAN DIEGO – June 24, 2021 – (PHOTO RELEASE) On the heels of the successful first flight of Japan’s RQ-4B Global Hawk in early April, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) recently completed additional successful flights for the second unmanned air vehicle (UAV) for Japan. Global Hawk is the only high-altitude, long-endurance UAV to deliver near real-time on demand data around the clock.

For more information about Global Hawk, please click here.

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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 to Advance Triton Sense and Avoid Development

Mon, 10 May 2021 13:00:00 GMT

SAN DIEGO – May 10, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been contracted by the U.S. Navy to prototype and reduce the risk of integrating sense and avoid (SAA) capabilities into the high-altitude, long-endurance MQ-4C Triton autonomous system. This capability will allow the Triton to safely operate in shared airspace with manned aircraft.

“Sense and avoid will help ensure our customers can safely operate Triton out of almost any airfield or airport in the world, in full compliance with current and emerging aviation regulations around the globe,” said Doug Shaffer, vice president and program manager, Triton programs, Northrop Grumman. “Incorporating SAA capability will add tremendous flexibility to the Triton system and how the U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Air Force and potential future customers seamlessly integrate Triton into their concepts of operation.”

A key partner in the development of SAA is Aviation Communications & Surveillance Systems (ACSS), LLC., a joint venture of L3Harris and Thales.

“As a leader in integrated Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast systems, we are actively driving innovation in operational efficiency and airspace safety for the emerging unmanned aircraft platforms,” said Steve Alwin, ACSS president and vice president of engineering. “Our sense and avoid solutions enable active collision avoidance, empowering them to operate safely in commercial airspace.”

Northrop Grumman and ACSS have been collaborating closely with Naval Air Systems Command for more than five years in the development and evaluation of SAA technology, and have worked together to contribute to the development of SAA-related industry standards.

Sense and avoid is a focus of the next developmental increment of the MQ-4C system, and a critical element of the cooperative development program requirements defined between the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force.

Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 97,000 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 in the UK and Intrepid Minds Receive Project MOSQUITO Phase 2 Contract Awards

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT

LONDON – April 27, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) in the UK today announced that it has been awarded a contract as systems engineering partner on Phase 2 of Project MOSQUITO and is joined by Intrepid Minds to support the design and manufacture of a prototype of the UK’s first uncrewed fighter aircraft.

Phase 2 centres on rapidly maturing the designs and manufacture of a working technology demonstrator to generate evidence for a follow-on programme. Project MOSQUITO’s findings could lead to this revolutionary capability being deployed alongside the F-35, Typhoon and next-generation Tempest to enhance protection, survivability and information advantage to aircrews.

“Our team is ready to help deliver the required development cost and time savings by providing our expertise in Agile development and DevSecOps to enable a model-based, digital design approach,” said Katharine Sealy, director of National Security Solutions, Northrop Grumman UK. “By applying modern software development practices to a digital engineering environment we aim to dramatically reduce the time required to build a flying demonstrator while allowing for seamless integration of additional capabilities in future.”

In addition to the provision of systems engineering support, Northrop Grumman will supply its international DA/RC (Distributed Autonomy / Responsive Control) technologies, gateway offerings and advanced mesh networking capabilities to the aircraft. These enable seamless human-machine collaboration and cooperative mission management across distributed manned and unmanned assets.

Adam Smith, managing director of Intrepid Minds added, “Combining our expertise in software development with cutting edge hardware from UK aeronautics suppliers Intrepid Minds’ avionics system will enable a first of type digitally driven engineering platform and allow the MOSQUITO aircraft to fly uncrewed.”

UK based Team MOSQUITO comprises Spirit AeroSystems as project lead, Northrop Grumman and Intrepid Minds, with the team goal of significantly reducing the time and cost of developing combat aircraft.

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Northrop Grumman Completes Successful First Flight of Japan’s RQ-4B Global Hawk

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 14:38:00 GMT

SAN DIEGO – April 16, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) successfully completed the first flight of Japan’s RQ-4B Global Hawk on April 15, 2021 from Palmdale, California. With an unmatched combination of range, endurance, and payload capability, Global Hawk is the only platform that provides greater data collection flexibility than space or medium-altitude assets.

Northrop Grumman Completes Successful First Flight of Japan’s RQ-4B Global Hawk

“The unarmed RQ-4B Global Hawk will provide Japan with on-demand intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information supporting the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s missions of protecting borders, monitoring threats and providing humanitarian assistance in times of need,” said Jane Bishop, vice president and general manager, autonomous systems, Northrop Grumman. “This successful first flight is a significant milestone in delivering Global Hawk to our Japanese allies.”

Global Hawk is the only high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned air vehicle (UAV) to deliver near real-time on demand data around the clock. Once fielded, Global Hawk will integrate with other Japanese intelligence assets, including ground-based command and control units. The capability will provide solutions to monitor and deter regional threats to ensure Japan has a highly effective national security posture well into the future.

Northrop Grumman’s family of autonomous HALE systems, including Global Hawk, are a critical component of networked, global ISR collection for allied nations and mutual defense organizations around the world. Global Hawk collects ISR data that enables decision makers to act with the right information at the right time. When Japan’s Global Hawk fleet is fully operational, it will be part of a growing list of allied nations operating high-altitude long-endurance UAV. The United States, Australia, NATO and Korea will all be operating versions of this vital national surveillance asset.

Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 97,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.

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Boeing Defence Australia and Northrop Grumman Australia Join Forces for JP9347

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) and Northrop Grumman Australia have partnered to develop a solution for the Joint Interface Control System, the first capability element of JP9347 – the Commonwealth of Australia’s Joint Data Network Program.

Using the Joint Interface Control system, defence operators will be able to integrate data coming in from multiple and independent secure networks to create a single operational view for improved situational awareness.

The companies’ solution will integrate proven products from both partners to create a sovereign and uniquely Australian system that will evolve to meet the ever-increasing data and coordination needs of the Australian Defence Force.

“The team offers operationally proven, mission capable communication and Tactical Data Link products,” says Boeing Defense, Space and Security’s director of Global Sales & Marketing for Australia and New Zealand, Dale McDowall. “This product offering is combined with extensive in-country systems design and development experience to deliver the foundation for a resilient and sovereign-controlled JDN.”

From the state-of-the-art battlespace management capability system, Wakulda, to the deployable, multi-bearer Currawong battlespace communication system, BDA has a demonstrated pedigree for in-country development and delivery of both hardware and software solutions for complex, sovereign communications networks.

For 60 years, Northrop Grumman has been a leader in the design, development and delivery of end-to-end communications and advanced networking capabilities for U.S. and allied military forces. Northrop Grumman Australia is building on the company’s proven track record of success by delivering Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control offerings and leading sovereign communications and network management technologies.

“This partnership brings to bear the best of companies’ technology, talent and expertise in network communications and gateway systems to ensure the ADF maintains the required strategic advantage in an age of data-driven warfare,” said Andrew Pryor, director of business development, Northrop Grumman Australia. “We stand ready to meet the JP9347 mission needs of the ADF today and in the future.”

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Northrop Grumman Sponsors Young Falcons of Korea Education Program for Future Aerospace Leaders

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 22:00:00 GMT

SEOUL – April 1, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and the Young Falcons of Korea (YFK) will host the ‘Future Aerospace Leaders Club of Nation (FALCON) Course’ for future Korean leaders in the aerospace field.

Sponsored by Northrop Grumman, Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force, Korea Aerospace Industries and hosted by YFK, the eight-month course is designed to offer career exploration and discover future talents in the aerospace industry. Held from April to November, these future Korean aerospace leaders will experience future science and technology first-hand.

“Northrop Grumman is committed to supporting opportunities for career exploration and experiences for Korean students who dream of a future in STEM fields,” said Dong Ha, chief executive, Northrop Grumman South Korea. “We sponsor this program to provide Korean youth with an opportunity to learn and experience first-hand what a future career in aerospace may entail.”

The course will offer a variety of activities including aerospace experimental classes and career exploration camps to middle school students. The students will have the opportunity to meet with air force pilots, tour aerospace facilities and participate in a variety of aerospace-industry events throughout the duration of the program.

"This program was launched to provide opportunities for students interested in the aerospace field to learn and gain experiences,” said Myung-hee Lee, secretary general of YFK. “We will continue to do our best for the youth who will grow into the next generation of talent along with the domestic aerospace industry that is taking huge strides forward.”

With an office in Seoul for almost 30 years, Northrop Grumman has a long-standing partnership and commitment to South Korea and the ROK’s Ministry of National Defense. In addition to the ‘Future Aerospace Leaders Club of Nation (FALCON) Course,’ the company also participates in annual STEM initiatives for South Korean youth.

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NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force Achieves Initial Operating Capability

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 17:00:00 GMT

SAN DIEGO – Feb. 18, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) RQ-4D Phoenix Global Hawk has recently enabled NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) Force to achieve a declaration of initial operating capability (IOC) from Supreme Allied Commander Europe, giving NATO commanders the ability to perform uninterrupted in-theater operations 24/7/365. The RQ-4D Phoenix Global Hawk variant provides cutting-edge intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) in support of global security.

NATO AGS RQ-4D Phoenix Global Hawk

“NATO AGS will help the Alliance with persistent regional defense and deterrence,” said Jane Bishop, vice president and general manager, autonomous systems, Northrop Grumman. “The commitment of the entire AGS team partnership – both government and industry – has shown incredible dedication, working across cultures, time zones and languages, all aiming toward one goal – providing the Alliance with this critical capability.”

The NATO AGS system is comprised of five aircraft, ground and support segments, along with advanced sensor technologies. The Phoenix aircraft has met the rigorous standards required for the first large unmanned aerial vehicle – military type certification and approved by the Italian Directorate of Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness (DAAA). Companies from across NATO member nations, including Leonardo, Airbus and Kongsberg, comprise the Northrop Grumman-led industry team that developed the NATO AGS capability.

The wide area surveillance of the RQ-4D Global Hawk and the fixed, mobile and transportable ground stations will support a full range of missions, including protection of ground troops and civilian populations, border control, crisis management and humanitarian assistance in natural disasters. The platform’s high-altitude, long-endurance capability delivers sustained, uninterrupted in-theater operations providing an unprecedented amount of ISR data to the Alliance. With the state-of-the-art main operating base at the Italian Air Base, Sigonella, Italy, data can be rapidly disseminated to allied forces, providing an unmatched advantage.

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Northrop Grumman Demonstrates C2 Success in Multinational NATO Exercise

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 15:00:00 GMT

LONDON – Feb. 15, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) UK team successfully demonstrated its innovative command and control (C2) system in a denied satellite communications (SATCOM) environment during NATO’s Coalition Warrior Interoperability eXercise (CWIX 2020). The fully distributed virtual event connected force labs in the UK and the U.S. across the classified Combined Federated Battle Laboratories Network to test tactics and technology in a range of scenarios and SATCOM-denied environments.

As the industry lead for this task supporting CWIX 2020, Northrop Grumman UK teamed with Dstl and Thales UK to create a simulated network environment. Northrop Grumman installed its Interoperable C4I Services (ICS) product, to deliver track management capabilities on this simulated alternative beyond-line-of-sight communications network.

“The successful experiment, delivered under the Serapis framework, included a military track management capability applicable to both the maritime and land domains,” said Ben Palmer, group director, Northrop Grumman. “Northrop Grumman’s UK team demonstrated their ability to deliver, integrate and operate systems for NATO forces to fully test SATCOM operations in advanced, real-life scenarios."

SATCOM remains essential to Joint, All Domain, Command and Control (JADC2) but faces challenges in a denied, degraded or disrupted space environment. When disruptions occur, joint forces must maintain the ability to share time-sensitive information such as a common operating picture on alternative beyond-line-of-sight communications networks, despite their lower bandwidth, higher-latency and inconsistent quality-of-service compared to communications satellites.

Northrop Grumman’s ICS is used by over 3,000 customers globally and is based on the Common Operating Environment (COE) software on which systems such as the Global Command and Control System are built. ICS ensures interoperability with other COE-based systems and allows additional third-party applications to be incorporated for customers with mission-specific service requirements.

Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defence and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 97,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.

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Koncern Northrop Grumman i firma Transbit przeprowadzili udaną demonstrację integracji polskich środków łączności radiowej z systemem IBCS.

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 14:45:00 GMT

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – 03 luty 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) we współpracy z polską firmą Transbit Sp. z o.o. dokonali integracji radiolinii horyzontalnej o wysokiej przepustowości (HCLOS) R-460A ze zintegrowanym systemem dowodzenia obroną powietrzną i przeciwrakietową IBCS. Radiolinia R-460A jest pierwszym systemem łączności radiowej spoza USA oraz jednym z kilku polskich systemów zaplanowanych do integracji z IBCS. Polska jako pierwszy partner międzynarodowy, pozyskała system IBCS jako główny element modernizacji obrony przeciwlotniczej i przeciwrakietowej kraju.

System łączności radiowej Transbit R-460A (radiolinia horyzontalna o wysokiej przepustowości HCLOS)

“Przeprowadzona z powodzeniem integracja świadczy o silnym partnerstwie przemysłowym i stanowi punkt wyjścia dla przyszłych działań mających na celu włączenie w sieć innych polskich i rodzimych systemów oraz zdolności,” stwierdził Kenn Todorov, wiceprezes i dyrektor generalny, Combat Systems and Mission Readiness, Northrop Grumman. “Mamy nadzieję na dalszą współpracę z polskim przemysłem, i wspieramy jego rodzime zdolności w ramach programu modernizacji polskiej obronności.”

Northrop Grumman i Transbit wspólnie opracowały laboratoryjną konfigurację prototypu w zakładzie firmy Northrop Grumman w Huntsville, która umożliwiła przeprowadzenie integracji i testów. Prototyp ten zawierał reprezentatywne elementy sprzętowe i programowe systemu IBCS oraz system łączności radiowej oparty na radiolinii R-460A firmy Transbit.

W ubiegłym miesiącu ta wspólna inicjatywa projektu inżynieryjnego zakończyła się udaną demonstracją integracji IBCS z radiolinią R-460A w ramach zintegrowanej sieci kierowania ogniem IFCN (Integrated Fire Control Network) jak również demonstracją funkcji zarządzania siecią. Northrop Grumman przeprowadził szczegółowe badania funkcjonalności i wydajności sieciowej aby ocenić potencjalne zastosowanie radiolinii R-460A w opartym na IBCS systemie obrony powietrznej.

“Skuteczna integracja z systemem IBCS systemu łączności RADION^® opracowanego przez Transbit Sp. z o.o. potwierdza zdolność polskiego przemysłu do dostarczania zaawansowanych rozwiązań technologicznych, które mogą być zastosowane w tak nowoczesnych i złożonych systemach jak IBCS,” stwierdził Robert Tomasik, dyrektor ds. badań i rozwoju w firmie Transbit Sp. z o. o. “Z dużą nadzieją oczekujemy na zastosowanie tej technologii w kolejnych etapach Programu Modernizacji Systemów Obrony Przeciwrakietowej i Przeciwlotniczej w Polsce.”

Radiolinia R-460A działa w zakresie częstotliwości pasma NATO IV umożliwiając przesył informacji w sieci opartej na protokole internetowym (IP) w trybie „punkt-punkt” z szybkością do 400 megabitów na sekundę (Mb/s) przy użyciu technologii MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output). Radiostacja współpracuje z anteną o zmiennej wiązce, umożliwiając pracę w trybie wielopunktowym, dzięki czemu doskonale nadaje się do budowy cyfrowych taktycznych sieci telekomunikacyjnych, takich jak te wymagane w sieci IFCN.

IBCS rewolucjonizuje podejście do zintegrowanej obrony powietrznej i przeciwrakietowej IAMD poprzez zastąpienie przestarzałych systemów miejscowych sieciocentrycznym systemem nowej generacji, pozwalającym skutecznie stawiać czoła wyzwaniom zmieniającego się pola walki. IBCS umożliwia działania w oparciu o przełomową zdolność wykorzystania „każdego sensora, najlepszego efektora”. Dokonuje fuzji informacji z wielu różnych sensorów w celu wyeliminowania wektorów ataku i stworzenia jednolitego, zintegrowanego obrazu sytuacji powietrznej o niespotykanej dotąd dokładności. Charakteryzująca się dynamiką i elastycznością otwarta architektura IBCS pozwala na integrację obecnych i przyszłych środków wykrywania i rażenia zapewniając interoperacyjność na poziomie połączonych rodzajów wojsk i sił koalicyjnych, oraz umożliwiając działania wielodomenowe.

Programem IBCS zarządza Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space z siedzibą w bazie Redstone Arsenal, w stanie Alabama.

Firma Transbit od trzydziestu lat dostarcza urządzenia taktycznej łączności cyfrowej i systemy telekomunikacyjne na potrzeby polskich Sił Zbrojnych. Firma dysponuje zespołem doświadczonych i wykwalifikowanych inżynierów, tworzących zaawansowane produkty sprzętowe, co pozwala jej wdrażać polskie koncepcje technologiczne wspierać Siły Zbrojne RP na wszystkich etapach cyklu życia produktu.

Northrop Grumman rozwiązuje najtrudniejsze problemy w dziedzinie technologii kosmicznych, lotniczych, w zakresie obronności i cyberprzestrzeni, by sprostać nieustannie zmieniającym się potrzebom klientów na całym świecie. Nasi pracownicy, w liczbie 97 000, na nowo definiują to, co jest możliwe, opracowując i dostarczając zaawansowane systemy, produkty i usługi w oparciu o zdobycze naukowe, technologiczne i inżynieryjne.

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Northrop Grumman and Transbit Demonstrate Integration of Polish Radio Communications with IBCS

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 14:45:00 GMT

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Feb. 3, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and Polish firm Transbit Sp. z o.o. have completed a joint effort to integrate and test the Transbit R-460A Radio Relay High-Capacity Line-Of-Sight (HCLOS) radio communications system with the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS). The R-460A radio is the first non-U.S. radio communications system and the initial Polish system to be integrated with IBCS. Poland is the first international partner nation to acquire IBCS as the centerpiece of the country’s air and missile defense modernization efforts.

Transbit R-460A Radio Relay High-Capacity Line-Of-Sight (HCLOS) radio communications system

“This successful integration is a testament to a strong industry partnership and sets the stage for future efforts to integrate other Polish and indigenous systems and capabilities onto the IBCS network,” said Kenn Todorov, vice president and general manager, combat systems and mission readiness, Northrop Grumman. “We look forward to continuing to work with Polish industry supporting their indigenous capabilities in support of the Polish defense modernization program.”

Northrop Grumman and Transbit collaborated to develop a laboratory prototype configuration at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Huntsville for integration and testing. This prototype included representative IBCS hardware and software components as well as a radio communication system based on the Transbit R-460A Radio Relay product.

Last month, this collaborative engineering development initiative culminated in a successful demonstration of integration between IBCS and the Transbit R-460A for Integrated Fire Control Network (IFCN) and network management functions. Northrop Grumman also conducted detailed network functionality and performance testing to evaluate the potential use of the R-460A in an IBCS based air and missile defense system.

“The successful integration with IBCS of RADION^® system communications technology developed by Transbit Sp. z o.o. confirms the ability of the Polish industry to provide advanced technical solutions to be implemented in such modern and complicated systems as IBCS,” said Robert Tomasik, research and development director, Transbit Sp. z o. o. “We greatly look forward to applying the technology in the next stages of the Modernization Program for Missile and Air Defence Systems in Poland.”

The R-460A radio operates in the NATO Band IV frequency range providing point-to-point transmission of Internet Protocol (IP) based network information at data rates up to 400 Megabits per second (Mb/s) using Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology. The radio supports the use of switched beam antennas enabling operation in multipoint-multipoint mode, making it a perfect fit for providing digital tactical telecommunications networks such as those required for IFCN operation.

IBCS creates a paradigm shift for IAMD by replacing legacy stove-piped systems with a next-generation, net-centric approach to better address the changing battlefield. IBCS enables revolutionary “any sensor, best effector” operations that fuses information from multiple, disparate sensors to eliminate vectors of attack and create a single integrated air picture with unprecedented accuracy. IBCS’ dynamic and flexible open architecture is foundational to integrating current and future sensors and effectors to enable joint, coalition interoperability and multi-domain operations.

IBCS is managed by the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

For over 30 years, Transbit Sp. z o.o. has been providing tactical digital communications and Information Communications Technology (ICT) solutions to the Polish Armed Forces. The company leverages a team of experienced and qualified engineers to develop advanced hardware products that implement Polish technical concepts, while simultaneously supporting the Polish Armed Forces on all stages of the product life cycle.

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IBCS Achieves Successful Milestone C Decision

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 18:15:00 GMT

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Jan. 14, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS), developed in partnership with the U.S. Army, has received authorization to proceed with low rate initial production (LRIP) following a successful Milestone C decision for the program. This milestone, approved by the Department of Defense, represents a critical next step in moving the program closer to future deployment.

Northrop Grumman has produced and delivered major end items to the Army, including Engagement Operations Centers (EOC) and Integrated Fire Control Network relays (IFCN), that have been used by soldiers in highly successful, operationally realistic flight tests.

“The decision by our senior leaders to transition IBCS from development into initial production reflects their confidence in the maturity of the system and its readiness for operational testing to inform Initial Operational Capability,” said Maj. Gen. Rob Rasch, Army Program Executive Officer, Missiles and Space. “The soldiers of the 3-43 Air Defense Artillery Battalion performed tremendously in training and testing over the last year, and are poised to demonstrate the game-changing capabilities of IBCS next Fall during the Initial Operational Test & Evaluation.”

To achieve Milestone C, Northrop Grumman worked in partnership with the U.S. Army’s Integrated Fires Mission Command Program Office in the system engineering, design, development and testing of IBCS hardware and software. Since 2015, the program has executed seven successful flight tests conducted under complex and operationally realistic conditions, demonstrating new game changing capabilities that the system will deliver upon fielding.

Most recently, IBCS underwent a Limited User Test that included testing of an operational Air and Missile Defense Battalion Task Force and featured two operational flight tests, which culminated in successful intercepts of complex, threat representative cruise and ballistic missile targets. Over its development life cycle, IBCS has undergone extensive hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL), environmental, live fire, and developmental testing and has participated in numerous Joint and U.S. Army exercises. These tests and exercises along with soldier touch-points have provided excellent feedback and data to drive significant performance improvements throughout the development phase of the IBCS program to inform the Milestone C decision.

Soldiers of the U.S. Army operational Air and Missile Defense Battalion Task Force under test at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico this past August. [Source U.S. Army]

“We are proud to have contributed to this landmark achievement that will help our warfighters better address and defeat evolving threats,” said Kenn Todorov, vice president and general manager, combat systems and mission readiness, Northrop Grumman. “This milestone is a true testament to the commitment and dedication of all the men and women who have worked tirelessly over many years to deliver a truly revolutionary system.”

IBCS is the centerpiece of the U.S. Army’s modernization strategy for air and missile defense to address the ever-changing nature of warfare. Designed to connect the force for unified action across all domains against evolving threats, IBCS is a software-defined, network-enabled command and control system that integrates and optimizes “any-sensor, best-effector” toward enabling Joint Multi-domain Operations and command and control.

Built on a modular and open systems approach network, IBCS employs a net-centric integrated fire control network that enables the acquisition, identification and engagement of air and missile threats. IBCS enhances battlefield survivability by creating a resilient self-healing network that can reduce and eliminate vectors of attack while providing commanders and operators with a single integrated air picture of unprecedented breadth, range and accuracy.

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Northrop Grumman Begins Production of Poland WISLA Engagement Operations Centers

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 14:00:00 GMT

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Jan. 14, 2021 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has taken delivery of six shelters that will be outfitted as Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) engagement operations centers (EOC) for Poland. Poland has acquired the U.S. Army IBCS configuration and this delivery supports the production start of the IBCS hardware for Poland’s WISŁA air and missile defense program from Northrop Grumman’s Huntsville Manufacturing Center.

Shelters arrive at the Huntsville Manufacturing Facility where they will be outfitted as IBCS Engagement Operations Centers for Poland.

During this production phase, IBCS hardware is installed in the shelters to create functioning engagement operations centers (EOCs). These IBCS EOCs are integrated with IBCS battle management software that maximizes the combat potential of sensors and weapon systems. Once the integration is complete, the EOCs will undergo an acceptance test prior to delivery to the U.S. government, which in turn will deliver to Poland as part of the foreign military sales contract for WISŁA.

“Receiving these shelters and kicking off production marks a critical milestone on the WISLA program and gets us one step closer to fielding this capability in Poland,” said Kenn Todorov, vice president and general manager, combat systems and mission readiness, Northrop Grumman. “Our Huntsville Manufacturing Center production line is ready and equipped to deliver these command centers on time and on budget.”

The Huntsville Manufacturing Center has a long heritage supporting large scale manufacturing programs including the Army’s Command Post Platform. Northrop Grumman has successfully developed, integrated and delivered IBCS major end items such as engagement operations centers, the entire command post environment, integrated fire control network relays and plug-and-fight kits that have all been used by U.S. soldiers in highly successful, operationally realistic tests and that warfighters will use once the system is fielded.

The acquisition of IBCS is a major component of Poland’s WISLA air and missile defense modernization program. In March 2018, Poland signed a foreign military sales agreement with the U.S. government to purchase IBCS and became the first international partner country to acquire this transformational capability. By acquiring IBCS, Poland will modernize its air and missile defense forces toward assuring interoperability with U.S. forces and within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

IBCS is the centerpiece of the U.S. Army’s modernization strategy for air and missile defense to address the changing battlefield. IBCS utilizes multiple sensors and effectors to extend the battlespace, engage threats providing 360° protection, increases survivability by enabling early detection and continuous tracking, and delivers transformational warfighting capabilities to defeat an increasingly complex threat.

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