SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 14, 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) successfully demonstrated the underwater launch of a "non-marinized" payload -- a payload not designed to be subjected to the undersea environment -- by launching a Raytheon AIM-9X air-to-air test missile shape from a submerged Tomahawk Capsule Launching System (CLS).
Conducted at the Army's Aberdeen Test Center in Aberdeen, Md., under the Littoral Warfare Weapon (LWW) project, this test marks the first time an AIM-9X test missile shape has been launched underwater. The launch demonstrates a new degree of submarine self-defense capability against threats from coastal surveillance aircraft, helicopters and high-speed small craft. LWW is a joint teaming effort between PEO Submarines, Northrop Grumman and prime contractor of the project, Raytheon.
"This test demonstrates that underwater launch payloads no longer need to be designed and built to withstand the rigors of the undersea environment," said David Perry, vice president of Northrop Grumman's Marine Systems business unit. "By adapting the encapsulation technology Northrop Grumman pioneered for the Tomahawk CLS, we have removed a significant barrier to launching many types of airborne payloads."
Northrop Grumman's demonstrated encapsulation system opens the door to submarine launch of a wide variety of defensive, offensive, communications, and ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) payloads without needing to adapt such payloads to survive in an undersea environment.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.
CONTACT: Tom Delaney
Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems
(410) 993-6454
thomas.delaney@ngc.com