SAN DIEGO, Aug. 18, 2008 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has appointed George Guerra vice president of High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Systems. Guerra assumes responsibility for overall program performance and growth of the family of RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft systems.

"As one of the pioneers of the Global Hawk program, Guerra brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to HALE Systems, and this promotion is a testament to his years of contributions and commitment to the company," said Duke Dufresne, sector vice president for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems Western Region. "His keen ability to set high expectations, inspire his teams, deliver results and maintain strong customer relationships will help him build upon the successes of the program."

Guerra joined Northrop Grumman in 1994 after working 11 years at General Dynamics-Convair on their cruise missile programs. He was instrumental during early proposal efforts for the Global Hawk program, working initially as integrated product team (IPT) lead responsible for the development, fabrication and testing of the Global Hawk composite wing assembly. He then served as airframe IPT design and manufacturing lead, helping to complete and deliver several Global Hawks, including the first air vehicle in 1997.

He has also served in various positions of increasing responsibilities as project engineer, deputy program manager, U.S. Air Force program manager, and director and deputy of the Unmanned Systems market segment for the company.

Guerra earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Yale University and master's degrees in manufacturing engineering and business administration from Boston University.

HALE Systems is based in San Diego, Calif., with production facilities in Palmdale, Calif., and Moss Point, Miss. Current domestic and international programs include systems for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and Germany (Euro Hawk). Future potential opportunities for the company's unmanned systems include NATO AGS and systems for various other nations.

The RQ-4 Global Hawk can soar up to 65,000 feet, much higher than any other operational unmanned aircraft, for more than 35 hours. It provides high-resolution, near real-time imagery and other sensor data for intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance. The high-flying aerial vehicle's radar can persistently see through any type of weather, day or night.

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:  Gemma Loochkartt
          Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems
          (858) 618-4245
          Cell: (858) 335-0694
          gemma.loochkartt@ngc.com