REDONDO BEACH, Calif., Aug. 18, 2008 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has performed all preliminary design review requirements for a rugged beam control subsystem for the U.S. Army's High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator (HEL TD).

As a mobile, solid-state laser weapon system, HEL TD will be mounted on a tactical ground vehicle to counter rockets, artillery and mortars across the spectrum of conflict. The company's design incorporates expertise and technology understanding gained from its work on legacy laser weapon and laser programs.

Under a first phase contract awarded one year ago by the Army's Space and Missile Defense Command, Northrop Grumman completed the beam control preliminary design review ahead of schedule. The company is now prepared to complete the design, assembly and integration of the beam control system, leading up to a test in 2010.

Northrop Grumman's preliminary design enables the integration of a high-energy laser, providing the option for acceleration to the battlefield, noted Dan Wildt, vice president of Directed Energy Systems for Northrop Grumman's Space Technology sector.

"Laser weapon systems like HEL TD will provide a leap-ahead in security for warfighters and civilian populations by providing a speed-of-light, wide-area umbrella of defense against a number of threats in wide use today," Wildt said. "The time is near when laser defenses will be an indispensable part of our security. HEL TD is enabling us to take a giant step in that direction."

The HEL TD team led by Northrop Grumman consists of BAE Systems, Ball Aerospace & Technologies, and L3 Com Brashears. Northrop Grumman is responsible for systems engineering, system integration, the beam control subsystem, the power subsystem, the thermal subsystem and C3I. BAE Systems provides vehicle and platform integration. Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. supplies beam alignment and stabilization systems; and L3 Com Brashears provides the beam director.

Northrop Grumman has been a leader in developing and demonstrating high-energy lasers for more than 30 years. An online press kit with more information about Northrop Grumman's high-energy, solid-state laser capabilities is available at http://www.st.northropgrumman.com/media/presskits/directed_energy_systems/press_kit.html

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide. 

  CONTACT:  Bob Bishop
          Northrop Grumman Space Technology
          310.812.5227
          Cell: 310.251.0261
          bob.j.bishop@ngc.com