Secure Communications - Northrop Grumman

Air Force’s BACN Receives AFA Innovation Award

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 12:00:00 GMT

ORLANDO, Fla. – July 8, 2019 – The Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN), developed, operated and maintained by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) for the U.S. Air Force, has been honored as an innovative mission-enabling system by the Air Force Association (AFA).

With new hardware and software capabilities in development, the BACN system — shown here aboard a BACN EQ-4B Global Hawk — is well equipped to provide resilient communications to the warfighter into its second decade of deployment. (Photo credit: Alan Radecki, Northrop Grumman)

AFA’s Martin H. Harris Chapter presented the Innovative Solution Enabling Airmen and their Worldwide Mission award during AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, March 1.

BACN is often described as ‘Wi-Fi in the sky.” The BACN system is a high-altitude, airborne gateway that translates and distributes voice communications, video, imagery and other battle space information from numerous sources. Using a suite of computers and radio systems, it bridges and extends communications among disparate users and different datalink networks to provide situational awareness and enable better command and control coordination between warfighters and commanders.

“BACN has made a tremendous difference in mission success for our warfighters,” said Roshan Roeder, vice president, communications systems, Northrop Grumman. “The accolades BACN has received over the past decade are testament to the critical capabilities BACN provides and the contributions this innovative system has made to increased readiness and mission effectiveness.”

As part of the ceremony, the Martin H. Harris Chapter recognized the company’s contributions by designating Northrop Grumman with a Presentation Fellowship. The AFA Aerospace Education Fellowship program provides a way for AFA chapters to honor and recognize significant contributions while funding and expanding AFA's education programs.

The BACN fleet comprises four E-11A manned systems and four Northrop Grumman EQ-4B Block 20 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft systems. Since the BACN system was deployed in 2008, it has delivered near 24/7 coverage in theater and maintained a payload availability rate of greater than 98 percent.

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

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BACN Enters Its Second Decade in Theater Reaching Program Milestones, with New Capabilities on the Horizon

Sharon Broomall — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 17:30:00 GMT

Northrop Grumman’s Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) has been one of the Defense Department’s most enduring capabilities, delivering interoperable voice and data communications between boots on the ground and pilots in the sky since 2008.

As BACN enters its second decade of near-24/7 service to U.S. and coalition warfighters, the program continues to achieve significant milestones as it evolves to an even more powerful warfighting tool.

On April 3, Northrop Grumman delivered a new BACN-equipped Global Hawk to the fleet. In recent months, the BACN team also has been standing up new BACN field sites, helping the U.S. Air Force set new BACN mission flight records, and improving software to provide more resilient communications for BACN, the system that offers critical voice bridging and data-forwarding capabilities to U.S. and coalition forces in challenging terrain.

“BACN continues to prove that it is essential to our warfighters,” said Jeannie Hilger, vice president of Northrop Grumman’s communications business.

The BACN system consists of an airborne payload of equipment and processors that accomplishes three goals: it extends line-of-sight communications, it translates communications between equipment that speaks different “languages,” and it provides a common battle picture for commanders, ground forces, fighter jets and other mission assets.

The latest delivery of a BACN-equipped EQ-4B to the Air Force increases the BACN EQ-4B fleet to provide additional communications orbit coverage and to ensure coverage in the event of unplanned aircraft maintenance, Hilger said. The EQ-4Bs, along with four E-11A executive jets, provide near-24/7 coverage in several critical theaters of operation.

In February, another major milestone was reached as an EQ-4B in the BACN Global Hawk fleet touched down from an operational mission after exceeding 20,000 flight hours. This accomplishment is significant in that it represents the most hours flown by any aircraft in the Global Hawk fleet — exceeding the original expected life span of the aircraft — and Air Force pilots said they looked forward to flying the aircraft 20,000 more. The glassy air at the high cruising altitude of the EQ-4B, along with the smooth autonomous landings of the craft, give EQ-4B airframes a long structural life, enabling BACN missions to fly well into the future.

In San Diego, Northrop Grumman engineers are developing improvements to further harden the BACN system against interference, update compliance to the latest military standards, and add new capabilities.

The company is standing up new field sites overseas and demobilizing others as the military moves to meet evolving threats and changing priorities and missions. The effort requires significant planning, site surveying, and logistics coordination to get the right equipment to the right place at the right time.

For 10 years, Northrop Grumman’s BACN system has provided lifesaving connectivity, giving near-continuous communication services to our warfighters in multiple theaters. With the delivery of an additional BACN-equipped Global Hawk, the development of vital new capabilities, and a deployed operations team ensuring exceptional system availability, BACN is poised to continue its critical role in delivering effective battlefield communications for decades to come.

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Northrop Grumman Delivers BACN-Equipped Global Hawk to Air Force

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 17:15:00 GMT

SAN DIEGO – July 19, 2018 – Earlier this year, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) delivered a Global Hawk autonomous aircraft carrying the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) to the U.S. Air Force fleet. BACN -- also developed by Northrop Grumman -- is a high-altitude, airborne gateway that translates and distributes voice communications, and other battlespace information from numerous sources.

BACN bridges the gaps between those systems and extends communications among disparate users and networks to provide improved situational awareness.

BACN has completed more than 10,000 combat missions connecting warfighters in the air and on the ground.

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

The Northrop Grumman EQ-4B Global Hawk autonomous aircraft on its first flight after being converted to carry the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) on February 16, 2018. The successful first flight over Southern California led to the delivery of the aircraft to the U.S. Air Force.

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Northrop Grumman to Provide Complete Refresh of Ground-to-Air Radio Communications at London’s Heathrow Airport

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 08:00:00 GMT

MARKET DEEPING, U.K. – Jan. 17, 2018 – Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) U.K.-based air traffic management subsidiary, Park Air Systems, have supported National Air Traffic Services (NATS) with a total overhaul of their ground-to-air radio communication system at Heathrow Airport. This is the first of several planned replacement programmes at U.K. airports.

The Park Air Sapphire system is now live and supports main, standby and emergency operations supplying reliable, safe and clear communications between pilots and air traffic control staff at the U.K.’s busiest airport.

The new generation of Park Air T6 radios are at the heart of this system. Heathrow airport is the first airport to gain safety case approval to operate the latest T6 series radios from the Sapphire product portfolio.

The Park Air T6 radio is a highly capable radio fully compliant with EUROCAE Interoperability Standards for VoIP ATM (ED-137). The T6 radio is designed to meet stringent environmental demands with significantly lower power consumption and no hazardous material, meaning lower end-of-life disposal costs.

The Park Air Sapphire system at Heathrow also includes MARC Server, a configurable browser-based control and monitoring system allowing management of all the Sapphire assets from remote desktops or tablets.

NATS engineers received training at the Park Air Academy, a new purpose built training centre at the company’s facility near Peterborough, U.K. The Park Air Academy offers the latest in blended learning, with practical courses centred on system design, implementation and maintenance alongside modules on ATC communications theory.

Iain Harris, NATS director of Service Operations said, “This is a very important programme for NATS, and we are delighted that London’s Heathrow Airport is to be the first Park Air Sapphire replacement programme in the U.K.”

Danny Milligan, managing director, Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems, added, “We have enjoyed a strong and productive relationship with NATS for many years and are very happy they chose us to support them with such a major programme. We look forward to seeing the Park Air Sapphire system in use at this airport.”

Northrop Grumman’s Park Air Systems supplies communication systems for airspace operations worldwide. Park Air radios can be found in airports in 200 countries around the world.

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Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare Capabilities Showcased at Association of Old Crows Symposium

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 17:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. – Dec. 4, 2017 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) recently showcased two milestones in the development of advanced electromagnetic maneuver warfare capabilities during the 54th Annual Association of Old Crows (AOC) International Symposium and Convention. The symposium, themed “Innovation and Change in Electromagnetic Warfare,” took place in Washington, D.C., Nov. 28-30.

At the symposium, Northrop Grumman showcased its Multifunction Transceiver (MFX^™) and direct radio frequency (RF) technology. MFX^™and RF offer unique approaches through sampling and synthesis that enable a variety of RF-enabled mission solutions. These mission enablers form part of the technological foundation of forthcoming advanced integrated mission systems.

MFX^™ is an advanced programmable receiver, exciter, signal processor and waveform generator that enables multifunction applications through scalable choices of operating frequencies, bandwidths and channels. Its inclusion in the RF chain allows for integrated capabilities in domains such as electronic warfare (EW), communications, signals intelligence (SIGINT) and radar. Northrop Grumman recently demonstrated these unique capabilities at the U.S. Pacific Command’s 2017 Northern Edge Combat Exercise. The MFX^™ enabled electronic attack/electronic support measure (EA/ESM) subsystem is just one of ten next-generation air warfare capabilities Northrop Grumman successfully demonstrated during the exercise. Attendees at AOC had the opportunity to see MFX^™ and its concept for utilization in advanced mission systems.

Complementing the capabilities of MFX^™, Northrop Grumman’s development of novel analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters enables direct RF sampling and synthesis. RF sampling and synthesis plays an important role in eliminating the need for bulky analog front-end components and substantially reducing the size, weight and power of future mission payloads while simultaneously improving system level performance.

These direct digital conversion components were recently integrated and tested on an advanced prototype multifunction system, demonstrating the ability to support disparate mission needs including EW, communications, SIGINT, and radar - and proving the feasibility and operational benefits of this integrated electromagnetic maneuver warfare system approach.

Both MFX™ and the multifunction prototype contribute to the development of next generation electromagnetic maneuver warfare capabilities that cross traditional system design and operational boundaries, creating a decisive advantage and helping to protect the warfighter.

The digital transformation is enabling a paradigm shift in military electronics. Northrop Grumman is embracing this by developing software defined, hardware enabled multifunction systems.

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

Sun, 15 Oct 2017 22:00:00 GMT

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

Northrop Grumman to exhibit in booth A61

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Bringing Protected Satellite Communications to the Tactical User: Industry Team Successfully Tests Low Cost Terminal with On-Orbit AEHF Satellite

Wed, 23 Aug 2017 15:52:00 GMT

REDONDO BEACH, Calif., Aug. 23, 2017 –The industry-funded Low Cost Terminal (LCT) was successfully tested this month with an on-orbit Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite. This critical milestone demonstrates the ability of an affordable tactical terminal to connect with the DoD’s most highly assured protected communications network. The industry development team is led by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT).

The AEHF system, designed for both strategic and tactical users, enables military users around the globe to securely transmit critical information which includes everything from nuclear command and control to real-time video, battlefield maps and targeting data. The AEHF system is already on orbit, and can potentially support many more users than there are terminals available today. LCT can enable more tactical warfighters to be able to use protected satellite communications, so they can have assured connectivity in contested environments.

“This is a huge milestone for protected satellite communications and its military users,” said Cyrus Dhalla, vice president of communications systems, Northrop Grumman. “LCT achieves low cost by leveraging existing designs, technology, and investments, while adopting a commercial procurement and production model. It was designed for easy operation and low maintenance and training costs to make it truly affordable for tactical users needing highly protected anti-jam, low probability of detection communications.”

This is the first time that a completely industry-funded and developed terminal has been allowed to access the AEHF satellite. In order to reach this milestone, the security architecture had to be validated by the appropriate organizations, and additional approvals had to come from Strategic Command and Air Force Space Command.

“The ability to send sensitive information over a protected network that is resistant to interruption and anti-jam is critical to ensuring the safety and success of our military troops here at home and allies abroad,” said Iris Bombelyn, vice president, Protected Communications, Lockheed Martin Space Systems. “The successful over-the-air test of the Low Cost Terminal shows that we are ready to bring this capability to more users in the near-term.”

The LCT is currently being developed in three variants: airborne, ground comm-on-the-move and rapidly deployable fixed terminal designs, which can also be deployed for maritime applications. Each variant is significantly smaller in size and weight than fully-capable strategic terminals, making them a better fit for tactical applications, while offering major cost and ease of use. The Industry team is seeking government partners to help champion the final production-version LCT for government certification. Provided testing and certifications are completed in time, the terminals can be available by the end of 2018. No other option for fielding protected SATCOM for the tactical warfighter is possible in the next few years.

The LCT takes advantage of Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin system knowledge and engineering experience gained over 30 years as providers of the nation’s MILSTAR and AEHF satellite systems for protected military communications. They manage a team which combines commercial and military experience, small and large businesses, which has resulted in the innovations necessary to produce an LCT that will cost a small fraction of the cost of current generation terminals.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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Northrop Grumman Announces New GaN Power Amplifiers

Wed, 21 Jun 2017 10:00:00 GMT

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. – June 21, 2017 – Northrop Grumman Corporation business (NYSE: NOC), Microelectronics Products and Services (MPS) announced the availability of four new gallium nitride (GaN) power amplifiers, an upgraded amplifier, and two low noise amplifiers. MPS made the announcement last week at the International Microwave Symposium (IMS) 2017. The new GaN amplifiers are:

- APN 279 - a balanced high power amplifier that offers 17dB of linear gain and a saturated output power of 42.5dBm with PAE > 30 percent. APN 279 offers high power output for the 16-21GHz frequency band for applications including next generation satellite communications terminals, point–to-point and point-to-multipoint digital radios.

-APN 293 - a single staged GaN amplifier that offers 10dB of linear gain and the saturated output power of 39dBm with PAE > 40 percent. APN 293 offers high power output for the 16-21GHz frequency band for applications including next generation satellite communications terminals, point–to-point and point-to-multipoint digital radios.

- APN298 –a balanced high power amplifier that offers 20dB of linear gain and a saturated output power of 40.5dBm with PAE > 27 percent. APN 298 has high output power over the 47.2-51.4 GHz frequency band for Q-band gateway satellite communications terminal applications.

- APN299 - a single ended version of the APN243 that also offers 20dB of linear gain and saturated output power of 38dBm with PAE > 31percent. APN 299 has high output power over the 47.2-51.4 GHz frequency band for Q-band gateway satellite communications terminal applications.

An upgraded amplifier:

- APN294 - a balanced one-stage GaN power amplifier that offers 13dB of linear gain, saturated output power of 42dBm, power added efficiency (PAE) >35 percent and high linearity at 1 dB back-off from saturation. It operates between 9 to 13.2 GHz and has direct applications in terrestrial, airborne and satellite communication systems.

Low noise amplifiers:

- ALP291 – an E-Band indium phosphide (InP) HEMT low noise amplifier that is a 4-stage, broadband, ultra-low noise amplifier Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC). It can be used in commercial E-Band applications including digital microwave links, radios, wireless LANs, automotive radar, sensors and test equipment. ALP291 is a high power amplifier that offers 26dB of linear gain and works in the radio frequency of 71-86 GHz.

- ALP292 – a W-Band InP HEMT low noise amplifier that is a 5-stage, broadband, ultra-low noise amplifier MMIC. It can be used for W-Band commercial digital microwave links, radios, wireless LANs, radar, sensors and test equipment. ALP292 is a high power amplifier that offers 28dB of linear gain and works in the radio frequency of 92-112 GHz.

“Northrop Grumman is known for its high-reliability, high-performing amplifier technology which helps our customers achieve their critical missions,” said Chris Brown, general manager, Northrop Grumman MPS. ”Our family of products are proven performers and can meet a wide range of requirements.”

At IMS 2017, Northrop Grumman engineers presented on high power and high efficiency chipsets for Ku-Band, Ka-Band, V-Band, Q-Band, E and W-band communications, and on optimizing ground, airborne and space-based communication links using Northrop Grumman’s advanced semiconductor products and technologies. The MPS team also presented on the enhanced gallium nitride manufacturing options showing the transition of communications products in everyday use.

Northrop Grumman is a pioneer in the design and fabrication of high-speed components for established and emerging commercial markets, including cellular and broadband wireless systems as well as aerospace, defense and scientific applications. Northrop Grumman MPS also offers foundry services that utilize advanced silicon, silicon-germanium, silicon-carbide, gallium nitride, and gallium arsenide and indium phosphide semiconductor manufacturing processes.

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Northrop Grumman to Supply Nationwide Air Traffic Control Communication Systems Upgrade at Airports Across South Africa

Thu, 13 Oct 2016 18:11:00 GMT

LONDON – Oct. 13, 2016 – Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) U.K.-based subsidiary, Park Air Systems, will supply air traffic control (ATC) communication systems equipment in a nationwide upgrade across South Africa.

The contract will utilise the Park Air T6 Radio, with more than 550 VHF units deployed to 50 sites. Other system elements will include Park Air’s remote control and monitoring system (RCMS), multi-access remote control (MARC) server, integrated cabinets, cavity filters and controllers.

The installation sites will include South Africa’s major airports, O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport. Combined, more than 27 million passengers fly through these two airports each year.

The ATC communications equipment will replace legacy Park Air systems installed in 1997.

“I am extremely proud we were selected to deliver such an important upgrade to our own radio systems deployed across South Africa. This successful long-term relationship Northrop Grumman has built with our customer is a testament not only to the outstanding quality of our products but also to the trust in our customer support services,” said Danny Milligan, managing director, Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems. “Twenty years is a long time to sustain top-tier performance. We are delighted the customer has the confidence we can do the same for the next 20 years.”

Northrop Grumman was awarded the contract by prime contractor and in-country partner AME Air Traffic Management (Pty) Ltd. The end customer is Air Traffic and Navigation Services, which provides air traffic, navigation, training and associated services within South Africa and a large part of the Southern Indian and Atlantic Oceans, comprising approximately 10 percent of the world's airspace.

Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems supplies communication systems for airspace operations worldwide and this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of its founding.

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Northrop Grumman Highlights Fifth-Generation C4ISR Systems Integration Capabilities at Land Forces 2016

Mon, 05 Sep 2016 22:00:00 GMT

ADELAIDE, Australia – Sept. 6, 2016 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) will highlight key capabilities and programmes that offer the advantages of next-generation command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) at the Land Forces 2016 defence exhibition and forum.

Northrop Grumman will highlight key capabilities and programmes that offer the advantages of next-generation command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) at the Land Forces 2016 defence exhibition and forum.

Land Forces 2016 takes place at the Adelaide Convention Centre, Sept. 6-8. Northrop Grumman’s exhibit in the U.S. pavilion is at Stand 2K6.

“The conference provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our unrivalled end-to-end C4ISR capabilities,” said Ian Irving, chief executive, Northrop Grumman Australia. “Our highly advanced, secure C4ISR systems provide critical decision-making intelligence and allow global defence forces to sense, share, target, fix and finish missions faster.

“At Northrop Grumman, we continue strengthening our presence in Australia and building partnerships with industry to help grow a strong defence and technology enterprise,” added Irving.

In its stand, Northrop Grumman will show the benefits of an open architecture approach to C4ISR for improved mission effectiveness and enhanced interoperability across the Australian Defence Force and with U.S. and other coalition partners. Demonstrations include advanced ‘sensor-to-shooter’ capabilities for land forces and integrated air and missile defence capabilities. Additionally, in the Rheinmetall stand, Northrop Grumman will demonstrate advanced C4ISR capabilities integrated into the combat-proven Rheinmetall Boxer vehicle to reveal the potential growth of the Australian Defence Force’s future combat reconnaissance vehicle.

“We are committed to supporting current and future Australian Defence Force capabilities and helping to realise the vision for a networked, fifth-generation force,” said Dan Verwiel, vice president and general manager, missile defense and protective systems division, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. “In today’s complex and fast-evolving environment, a holistic view for joint C4ISR and electronic warfare, air-sea-land integration, and cyber resilience is key for ensuring success.”

Northrop Grumman’s open systems C4ISR solutions enhance interoperability, situational awareness, communications and coordination for warfighters in the air, at sea and on the ground. Capabilities include:

Advanced command-and-control that leverages fifth-generation sensors, data links, networks and decades of experience pioneering interoperable systems to provide joint and coalition forces with an integrated ‘common operating picture.’ The greater ability to collect, integrate and disperse these intelligence products is driving a global trend to make warfare more information intensive, with many advanced armed forces – including Australia’s – adopting a network centric concept of operations.

Airborne gateways that translate imagery, video, voice communications and data from various sources to allow defence forces to share information across diverse platforms and domains. The company’s combat-proven airborne gateway technology can be integrated on manned and unmanned platforms, pods and mobile ground locations to deliver discriminating fifth-generation capabilities for a truly integrated joint future force. In March, the airborne gateway capability successfully integrated three disparate data networks during a demonstration in Australia.

Expertise leveraging more than 30 years of experience in computer network operations and cyber. The company understands the breadth and complexity of all aspects of cyber defense and resiliency. Through technology investments, Northrop Grumman continues to provide solutions to address rapidly evolving cyber threats and to secure networks and systems worldwide to ensure the delivery of trusted information for its customers.

Northrop Grumman products and systems have been supporting Australia’s national security requirements for more than 20 years. The company employs more than 400 people across Australia for numerous defense and civil programs, and its Australian headquarters are located in Canberra. Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Defence Services operates from three facilities located in New South Wales and three in Queensland, while NGM5 is located in Canberra. The company is also active in local science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities such as the Australian Centre for Cyber Security, Australian Science Teachers Project, and UAV Challenge.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, and logistics and modernisation to customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

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Northrop Grumman Presents Cutting Edge Technology, New Products at International Microwave Symposium

Thu, 19 May 2016 15:32:00 GMT

REDONDO BEACH, Calif., May 19, 2016 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) will highlight its expertise in microelectronics innovation and transitioning new technology to demanding, high performance communications applications at International Microwave Symposium 2016 (IMS) in San Francisco May 24-26, 2016, at booth 731.

"Advancements in compound semiconductor technology have a significant impact on global security and communications markets, affecting a broad range of products from radar systems to satellite systems to mobile devices," said Chris Brown, general manager, microelectronics products and services, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "Our talented scientists and engineers are working every day to improve the products we provide to our customers and to push the limits of our capabilities. Year over year, our presence at IMS demonstrates the importance Northrop Grumman places on this business."

Northrop Grumman engineers will present on high power and high efficiency chipsets for Ku-Band, Ka-Band, V-Band, Q-Band, E- and W-band communications, and on optimizingÂ ground, airborne and space-based communication links using Northrop Grumman's advanced semiconductor products and technologies.

Continuing the company's reputation for transitioning leading edge communications products into everyday use, Northrop Grumman will present several new semiconductor products including high power amplifiers and enhanced gallium nitride manufacturing options.

More information on silicon based devices, including radiation hardened devices, and the gallium arsenide (GaAs), indium phosphide (InP) and gallium nitride (GaN) product lines are available online at www.northropgrumman.com/IMS . Limited engineering prototype samples are available from stock to qualified customers by contacting MPS at as-mps.sales@ngc.com .Â

Northrop Grumman is a pioneer in the design and fabrication of high-speed components for established and emerging commercial markets, including cellular and broadband wireless systems as well as aerospace, defense and scientific applications. The company also offers foundry services that utilize advanced silicon, silicon-germanium, silicon-carbide, gallium nitride, and gallium arsenide and indium phosphide semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

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Northrop Grumman to Expand Communications System Capability at World's Busiest Airport, UAE

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 14:00:00 GMT

LONDON, March 8, 2016 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) announced that its U.K.-based subsidiary, Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems, is expanding the capability of the air traffic control (ATC) communication systems at Dubai International (DXB), the world's busiest international airport, and Dubai World Central (DWC) airport, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Under the terms of the contract awarded to Bayanat Engineering UAE, Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS) will receive Park Air Sapphire portfolio products, including its latest Park Air T6 Radio at five radio sites located at each airport. The system will simultaneously support both legacy E1 and Voice over IP (VoIP) connectivity, enabling radio channels to be connected to a network of Park Air S4 IP Controllers, while also connecting to the airports' legacy voice switch.

The Park Air T6 Radio, an integral part of the Sapphire portfolio, will provide DANS with Simultaneous Call Transmission (SCT) detection. With SCT, the T6 Radio receiver detects two pilots speaking at the same time and sends an alert to the air traffic controller to take the appropriate action.

"To develop a radio of such advanced capability is a credit to our engineers," said Danny Milligan, managing director, Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems. "The new Park Air T6 Radio not only delivers a significant step forward in terms of performance, but also contributes to our environmental obligations. It is the lightest and smallest radio in its class, its power consumption has been minimised and toxic materials such as beryllia and lithium, which are traditionally required in radio designs, have been excluded."

The delivery of the system, which commences this month, will support the continuing ambitious growth plans at these two key airports. DXB is the world's busiest airport by international passenger traffic with 78 million passengers in 2015, and DWC is a global aviation hub in the making which could become one of the world's largest airports with an ultimate capacity of up to 240 million passengers and 16 million tonnes of freight.

Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems supplies communication systems for airspace operations worldwide and this year celebrates the 50 ^th anniversary of its founding.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, and logistics and modernisation to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

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Northrop Grumman Demonstrates 5th-to-4th Generation Gateway Radio Using Open Mission Systems Architecture

Wed, 04 Nov 2015 21:00:00 GMT

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 4, 2015 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) recently demonstrated its Freedom 550™ gateway radio terminal performing as a communications relay among fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft during an Open Mission Systems (OMS) flight trial led by Lockheed Martin.

The demonstration further validated the Air Force's OMS acquisition initiative – an approach based on open architecture design –quickly taking advantage of new or improved capabilities, regardless of supplier, at a reduced cost. It also verified that Northrop Grumman can integrate an OMS solution with another prime contractor's system.

During the flight test at Edwards Air Force Base, California, the Northrop Grumman Freedom 550 terminal was used as part of a gateway to link a fifth-generation F-22 Raptor, which uses the stealthy Intra-Flight Data Link (IFDL), with a fourth-generation F-18 Hornet communicating via Link-16, the standard data link used by many military platforms. The Freedom 550 was on board a Lockheed Martin U-2 Dragon Lady, providing the IFDL connection to the F-22, and used OMS standards and applications to integrate with the rest of the OMS systems on the platform.

"The foundation of this successful achievement – particularly under a quick-reaction timeline – was Northrop Grumman's proven products in fifth-to-fifth and fifth-to-fourth gateways and our work with the OMS collaboration working group," said Jeannie Hilger, vice president and general manager, communications division, Northrop Grumman Information Systems. "The OMS standard enabled significant reuse of capabilities previously developed with the working group."

Northrop Grumman's 5 ^th -to-4 ^th Gateway is based on the Freedom 550 developed as part of the Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration (JCTD) program. The Gateway has flown more than 400 hours and has proven the ability to enable the fifth-generation F-22 and F-35 Lightning II and the fourth-generation F-18, F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft to communicate with each other without modifying the platforms.

The JCTD program was sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command, Pacific Command and OSD's Defense Microelectronics Activity and culminated in 2014.

Northrop Grumman recently announced it had conducted multiple flight tests demonstrating the ability to rapidly integrate subsystems onto the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and a surrogate ISR platform.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

  CONTACT: Janis Lamar
         703-556-1650
         janis.lamar@ngc.com

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Northrop Grumman-Developed Stealthy Data Link Validated as Combat Ready with US Marine Corps

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 19:30:00 GMT

SAN DIEGO – July 31, 2015 – With the U.S. Marine Corps achieving F-35B initial operating capability (IOC), the Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) waveform developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been proven a key combat-ready capability of the F-35 Lightning II program.

MADL is a high-data-rate, directional communications link that allows fifth-generation aircraft to communicate and coordinate tactics covertly. During testing of the Lockheed Martin F-35, MADL exceeded 1,000 flight hours.

The Marine Corps declared the F-35B short takeoff and vertical-landing (STOVL) aircraft and the first squadron – Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121), known as the Green Knights – officially operational July 31. VMFA-121, based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, is equipped with 10 aircraft.

"Northrop Grumman congratulates the Marine Corps on their achievement of this momentous F-35 milestone," said Jeannie Hilger, vice president and general manager, communications division, Northrop Grumman Information Systems "The successful completion of IOC also validates Northrop Grumman's more than 10-year effort to advance communication among fifth-generation aircraft."

MADL is part of Northrop Grumman's F-35 integrated communications, navigation and identification (CNI) avionics and an important element of the F-35 Block 2 software release. Northrop Grumman has delivered 181 CNI systems to Lockheed Martin, the F-35 prime contractor.

Since August 2012, MADL has been used continuously to support a variety of developmental and operational objectives during testing at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Block 2B MADL testing culminated with four F-35s demonstrating that data passed among the aircraft via MADL could be correlated with data from other F-35 sensors and fused to form a unified situational awareness picture on cockpit displays.

"In addition to fifth-to-fifth, Northrop Grumman's CNI system also provides a core capability for fifth-to-fourth generation networked data sharing and unparalleled interoperability," Hilger said, citing a series of operational flight tests under the Jetpack Joint Capability Technology Demonstration program.

As part of the Jetpack JCTD program, Northrop Grumman developed the Freedom 550™ software-defined radio that bridges fifth-to-fourth generation platform interoperability gaps. Jetpack JCTD, which concluded in 2014, was sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command, Pacific Command and OSD's Defense Microelectronics Activity.

Northrop Grumman's integrated CNI system provides to F-35 pilots the equivalent capability of over 27 avionics subsystems. By using its industry-leading software-defined radio technology, Northrop Grumman's design allows the simultaneous operation of multiple critical functions while greatly reducing size, weight and power demands on the advanced fighter. These functions include Identification Friend or Foe, automatic acquisition of fly-to points, and various voice and data communications, including MADL, which was approved by the U.S. Department of Defense Joint Requirements Oversight Council for use on all low-observable platforms.

As a principal member of the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 industry team, Northrop Grumman performs a significant share of the work required to develop and produce the aircraft. In addition to developing and producing the CNI system, Northrop Grumman produces the center fuselage; designed and produces the AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System sensor and the aircraft's radar and electro-optical subsystem; develops mission systems and mission planning software; leads the team's development of pilot and maintenance training system courseware; and manages the team's use, support and maintenance of low-observable technologies.

Lockheed Martin is developing three models of the F-35 for the U.S. military and 11 other nations. The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II are the world's only operational fifth-generation stealth aircraft; fourth-generation fighters include the F-15, F-16 and F-18.

  CONTACT: Janis Lamar
         703-556-1650
         janis.lamar@ngc.com

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Photo Release -- Northrop Grumman Enables Assured Warfighter Communications by Demonstrating Affordable PTW Space Processor

Wed, 15 Apr 2015 14:30:00 GMT

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. -- April 15, 2015 -- Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) has successfully demonstrated a space-design protected tactical waveform (PTW) processor that enhances user data rates up to a factor of 20, improves spectral efficiency up to a factor of 4 and provides bandwidth-on-demand to significantly improve warfighter communications in contested tactical environments.

The testing was completed as part of the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center's MILSATCOM Design for Affordability Risk Reduction effort with MIT/Lincoln Labs. The processor successfully communicated using the Air Force-developed protected tactical waveform, which builds upon the proven protection features of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) program's extended data rate waveform known as XDR.

Northrop Grumman confirmed the demonstration platform consists of flight-representative technology readiness level six (TRL-6) hardware, firmware and software that can be incorporated into a near-term flight program and provide assured communication and performance to the warfighter.

"While PTW provides substantial new capabilities for the warfighter, a waveform alone does not provide protection," said Tim Frei, vice president, communication systems, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "The real value of PTW is when it is integrated into an architecture with comprehensive protection including space-based processing, non-commercial frequency bands, crosslinks and other key protection features in the antenna and radio frequency processing chains.

"Northrop Grumman has maximized the value of this contract to the government by treating it not simply as a concept demonstration, but rather as true risk reduction and prototype development consistent with our standard development process for flight units," added Frei. "Each dollar spent developing the demonstration platform for this effort has directly reduced the future cost of an eventual flight unit."

The Northrop Grumman PTW platform demonstrated at the MIT/Lincoln Labs test facility is a fully integrated subsystem with multi-channel demodulators, Ethernet-based packet switching, high-data-rate modulators, and the associated control software. After completing the full suite of government-defined modem tests, the Northrop Grumman team performed additional testing including the connection of multiple terminal emulators in an end-to-end configuration with complete forward and return processing and Ethernet switching. The team also demonstrated how the bandwidth-on-demand software responds to a multi-user loading environment to efficiently use the available spectrum.

Northrop Grumman's investment in the space processor is capable of adding true protection while enabling assured communications capability to the warfighter at greatly reduced program implementation risk, and marks the next steps in advancing military satellite communications.

  CONTACT: Amy Akmal
         424-254-6945
         amy.akmal@ngc.com

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