DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 16, 2009 -- Flightglobal, parent company of Flight International magazine, has recognized Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Robert A. K. "Bob" Mitchell for his contributions to the aerospace industry.

In a presentation during the Flightglobal Achievement Awards ceremony Nov. 14 at the Dubai Air Show, Mitchell was honored with the Leader of the Year Award recognizing his visionary leadership and dedication in the field of aerospace.

"These awards celebrate and acknowledge the best and brightest people, teams and innovations at work in the aerospace and aviation industry. Bob Mitchell's contributions to our industry, and to the efforts that are embodied by Flightglobal, underscore his selection for this award," said Murdo Morrison, editor, Flight International magazine. "His contributions go beyond just a focus; they embody a vision for turning innovative approaches into reality."

Mitchell currently serves as sector vice president and corporate capture lead executive for Northrop Grumman's Aerial Common Sensor proposal. Prior to this assignment, Bob led the successful capture for the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance unmanned aircraft system program, among others. Mitchell served as president of Teledyne Ryan Aeronautical prior to its acquisition by Northrop Grumman in 1999. Under his leadership, Teledyne Ryan Aeronautical captured and developed the Global Hawk high altitude, long endurance, unmanned aircraft system (UAS).

As leader of Northrop Grumman's unmanned systems operating unit, Mitchell managed the continued development of Global Hawk and derivatives such as Germany's Euro Hawk(R), as well as the successful capture of the MQ-8B Fire Scout vertical UAS. For all intents and purposes, Mitchell is the founding father of Northrop Grumman's core competencies in unmanned systems and continues to expand the company's leading position in this market space.

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:  Nathan Drevna
          Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
          (571) 286-8440
          nathan.drevna@ngc.com