Lockheed Martin Drives Affordability In F-35 Training

Millions Saved on F-35 Trainers, Advanced Manufacturing Reduces Production Costs

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) reduced the cost of an F-35 Full Mission Simulator (FMS) by $3 million per copy since program inception, reflected in Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) lot 11. Comprised of 15 simulators, these LRIP 11 savings generate approximately $45 million savings for the F-35 program.

F-35 production teams at Training and Logistics Solutions (TLS) achieved these unit price reductions through several measures including:

• Executing long-term supply chain contracts and employing automation on the production line
• Leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques, highlighted by the integration of 3D printed simulator parts including component housings and brackets

Future use of this advanced technology, including the printing of simulator cockpits, is projected to save an additional $11 millionduring the next five years.

"We're serious about driving out costs and excited to generate continued production savings across all our programs using advanced manufacturing," said Amy Gowder, TLS vice president and general manager. "We aren't stopping here. In addition to our production savings, we're investing more than $30 millionthrough 2020 to reduce F-35 training sustainment costs while increasing concurrency and capability."

The $30 million sustainment investment includes:

• Modernizing the virtual training environment based on emerging threats and needs of F-35 operators
• Reducing costs by infusing new technologies to shrink hardware and software footprints in the computing and visual infrastructure, automating support tasks and reducing manpower support requirements
• Driving continuous concurrency between the training system and the F-35 aircraft

F-35 training milestones for 2019 include the initial Distributed Mission Training (DMT) capability and Block 4 training system upgrades. DMT allows physically separated aviators to train together and enables interoperability with 4thGeneration platforms in a virtual environment.

US Air Force Selects Northrop Grumman for USCYBERCOM Unified Platform

Unified Platform will enable a full spectrum of integrated cyber capabilities across domains for U.S. Cyber Command

ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, Md. – Oct. 29, 2018 – The U.S. Air Force, acting as the acquisition authority, has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) a contract valued at $54,626,116 to serve as Unified Platform systems coordinator for the USCYBERCOM Unified Platform program.

Unified Platform will enable a full spectrum of integrated cyber capabilities across domains for USCYBERCOM.

Unified Platform will support all defensive and offensive cyber operations, as well as cyber intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for U.S. Cyber Command’s Cyber Mission Force.

"Northrop Grumman is proud to partner with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Cyber Command to deliver this critical mission capability in support of our nation’s Cyber Mission Force," said Linnie Haynesworth, sector vice president and general manager, cyber and intelligence mission solutions, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. "We look forward to delivering the integrated, shared capabilities that will give our cyber warfighters the edge in cyberspace and across all domains.”

As the Unified Platform systems coordinator, Northrop Grumman will integrate disparate cyberspace platforms, enabling integrated management and synchronized cyber operations to give U.S. forces rapid access to a full spectrum of cyber capabilities.

“Northrop Grumman is recognized for collaborative, innovative leadership in delivering transformative cyber solutions through a full range of challenged environments,” said Bobby Lentz, vice president, global cyber solutions business unit, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. “We look forward to continuing to work with U.S. Cyber Command to ensure our forces can maintain the tactical and technological advantage required to succeed in the evolving domain of cyber space.”

The Unified Platform contract was awarded competitively under the U.S. General Services Administration's Alliant Government-wide Acquisition Contract. Northrop Grumman will perform the work in San Antonio, Texas, as well as in locations in Maryland, Georgia and Ohio. 

Boeing Wins U.S. Air Force T-X Pilot Training Program Contract

$9.2 billion award funds 351 jets, 46 simulators and associated ground equipment

The U.S. Air Force has selected the Boeing T-X advanced pilot training system which features an all-new aircraft designed, developed and flight-tested by the team of Boeing and Saab. (Photo: John Parker, Boeing)

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 27, 2018 – U.S. Air Force pilots will soon train for combat with T-X jets and simulators from Boeing [NYSE: BA].

“Today’s announcement is the culmination of years of unwavering focus by the Boeing and Saab team,” said Leanne Caret, president and CEO, Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “It is a direct result of our joint investment in developing a system centered on the unique requirements of the U.S. Air Force. We expect T-X to be a franchise program for much of this century.”

Boeing and its risk-sharing partner Saab designed, developed, and flight tested two all-new, purpose-built jets ― proving out the system’s design, repeatability in manufacturing and training capability.

“This selection allows our two companies to deliver on a commitment we jointly made nearly five years ago,” said Håkan Buskhe, president and CEO of Saab. “It is a major accomplishment for our partnership with Boeing and our joint team, and I look forward to delivering the first trainer aircraft to the Air Force.”

Boeing is now clear to begin placing orders with its suppliers, including Saab. More than 90 percent of Boeing’s offering will be made in America, supporting more than 17,000 jobs in 34 states.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions within military defense and civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents around the world. Through innovative, collaborative and pragmatic thinking, Saab develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.

Northrop Grumman Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System Pairs with Sensors and Shooters for ‘Live Air’ Test

IBCS simulates tracking and engagement of aircraft and cruise missile targets using networked sensors and missile launchers during three-week exercise

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Sept. 12, 2018  – The Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Battle Command System (IBCS) successfully detected, tracked and simulated engagements of air targets during recent testing at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

The "plug-and-fight" architecture of Northrop Grumman's Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Battle Command System (IBCS) enables "any-sensor, best-shooter" operations with a greatly expanded single integrated air picture.

During three weeks of U.S. Army-led testing in April and May, IBCS continued to validate its enterprise-level approach to air and missile defense by digesting complex information to target a series of representative aerial threats. This demonstration built upon the earlier multi-node distributed test, another successful soldier checkout event conducted over five weeks in March and April. In that soldier checkout event, IBCS showed that it can scale up and network across long distances.

In the live air test, IBCS demonstrated its ability to combine data from sensors and multiple information sources to accomplish simulated engagements of both real and simulated fixed-wing, rotary-wing, cruise missile and tactical ballistic missile targets.

Military aircraft such as F-15 and F-16 fighters and the slower-moving C-12 turboprop were used as surrogates, replicating the flight patterns of adversary threats along a flight corridor of the White Sands Missile Range.

The test was designed to evaluate various hardware and software functions of the Army’s future IAMD “system of systems,” of which Northrop Grumman’s IBCS is the centerpiece. Twenty major IBCS components were involved in the trial, including IBCS engagement operations centers and integrated fire control network relays.

The test had a number of key objectives, including: the exercise of launcher and sensor controls in a live environment; conduction of simultaneous simulated engagements of multiple aerial targets; integration with the Link 16 tactical data and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) air traffic management networks; and contribution to the joint single integrated air picture.

“IBCS continues to show high levels of performance and reliability,” said Dan Verwiel, vice president and general manager, missile defense and protective systems, Northrop Grumman. “As the command-and-control backbone of the Army’s future air and missile defense enterprise, IBCS will undergo increasingly complex tests as it works through development and prepares for operational fielding in the future.”

“In a dynamic and changing environment, taking advantage of the open, non-proprietary, configurable nature of an IAMD enterprise is imperative for enabling warfighter capabilities to outpace threats and allowing for the addition of capabilities not previously planned at a much reduced cost,” added Bill Lamb, director, integrated air and missile defense, Northrop Grumman.

“IBCS makes legacy systems relevant for today, and provides a path for the next-generation of IAMD that is affordable. Continued testing with Army soldiers in realistic environments is the best way to ensure IBCS and the wider Army IAMD architecture is ready to meet the operational needs of the warfighter.”

Information gathered through this type of soldier checkout testing builds confidence in IBCS with the warfighter and enables the Army to consider early capability spin-out. The open, non-proprietary nature of the software allows for quick turnarounds for improvements, as informed by rigorous testing.

The “plug and fight” architecture of IBCS provides a highly integrated next-generation air and missile defense solution to the Army. It enables “any-sensor, best-shooter” operations with a greatly expanded single integrated air picture.

IBCS is also the air and missile defense command-and-control solution of choice for Poland, which signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance with the U.S. government in March to purchase the system. Poland will become the first international operator.

Northrop Grumman to Highlight Leading Global Security Capabilities at Defense Expo Korea 2018

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Sept. 9, 2018 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) will highlight its advanced global security capabilities at Defense Expo Korea 2018 (DX Korea), booth 8D-31, in Ilsanseo-gu, Republic of Korea (ROK), Sept. 12-16. Known for its integrated digital avionics mission equipment package and capabilities in autonomous systems, C4ISR and multi-generation fighter interoperability, Northrop Grumman will feature its world-leading technology for the ROK Army and visitors.

On display at DX Korea will be Northrop Grumman’s integrated mission equipment package, which enables platform modernization that is affordable, safe and agile. Based on an open architecture design, Northrop Grumman’s advanced avionics solution enables rapid integration with existing hardware, making the system applicable to numerous platforms and missions.

The company will showcase its fully integrated digital avionics mission equipment package, which enables platform modernization that is affordable, safe and agile. Northrop Grumman’s mature, proven solution is based on an open architecture that enables rapid integration with existing hardware, simplifying upgrades and keeping life cycle costs low.

Northrop Grumman’s integrated mission equipment package can be applied to numerous platforms, including the ROK UH-60P fleet. The result is standardization across ROK military aircraft fleet, interoperability with the U.S. Army’s fleet, and a cost-effective avionics solution over the program’s life cycle. Warfighters benefit from improved situational awareness and mission safety, as well as reduced pilot workload. The company has provided its advanced technology for several U.S. military avionics upgrade programs, including E-2D, H-1 and the UH-60V.

The company’s combination of autonomous systems will help enhance the ROK’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability and national security. Northrop Grumman’s Global Hawk autonomous high altitude long endurance system and MQ-8C Fire Scout, the U.S Navy’s next generation autonomous helicopter, provide the capacity to unlock the full potential of South Korea’s ISR capabilities while protecting regional interests and national security.

In C4ISR, Northrop Grumman offers differentiated capability and battlefield/situational awareness with an integrated network of manned/unmanned platforms. The company is leading the development of the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Battle Command System (IBCS), a revolutionary command-and-control system developed to deliver a single, unambiguous view of the battlespace, as recently demonstrated over vast distances via the multi-node distributed test. This significantly enhances aircraft and missile tracking and improves the ability of combatant commanders and air defenders to make critical decisions within seconds. With a modular open systems architecture, IBCS allows integration of current and future sensors and weapon systems. IBCS enables “any sensor, best shooter” operations to optimize limited resources and facilitate flexible defense designs.

Northrop Grumman provides critical systems to enhance communications and situational awareness, including the APG-81 Active Electronically Scanned Array and the Freedom 550TMsoftware-defined radio. The company’s Multi-Role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) Surveillance Radar provides air-to-air coverage, air-to-surface coverage, integrated identification friend or foe, special track beams and focused sector operation.

Northrop Grumman Completes First Live Motor Cast for OmegA Rocket

By Kay Anderson

Northrop Grumman has successfully completed casting, or filling with propellant, the first live motor segment for its new OmegA rocket. The segment, developed as a part of the company’s Common Boost Segment (CBS) program, is specifically designed to support the needs of this new intermediate - to heavy-lift rocket.

This cast of a C600 rocket motor required a record 55 mixes of propellant that are 600-gallons each.

OmegA supports Northrop Grumman’s initiative to develop a rocket in compliance with the U.S. Air Force Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) competition that will launch intermediate - to heavy-class national security payloads. As a key initiative for the company, Northrop Grumman is committed to ensuring the OmegA program meets major milestones, such as this cast.

The casting of this aft motor segment, the CASTOR® 600 (C600), follows the completion of an inert cast in April, which marked the largest solid rocket motor casting campaign in Northrop Grumman history. The inert cast enabled the team to uncover any potential process issues early on, assuring that this live cast would go smoothly.

The C600 aft segment is the heaviest of any of the CBS motor segments. This cast required a record fill of 33,000 gallons of propellant. For comparison purposes, the second-heaviest Promontory-cast rocket motor segment is a NASA Space Launch System booster forward segment requiring 27,000 gallons of propellant.

The C600 aft segment is the heaviest of any of the CBS motor segments.

“Our team succeeded beautifully in meeting this important milestone for our OmegA rocket,” said Charlie Precourt, vice president and general manager, propulsion systems, Northrop Grumman. “We have two more live motor casts, and we will be ready for ground tests next year.”

Over the last three years the company has been on schedule and within budget while making outstanding progress on the CBS design and initial test and verification hardware.

The first static test for the program is a C600, consisting of a forward and an aft segment mated together, and the second is a C300, which is a single segment motor. Planned for 2019, these two tests will verify the first and second stage performance for OmegA’s intermediate vehicle configuration, which will make up the majority of the anticipated flights beginning in 2021.

Northrop Grumman Highlights Missile Defence Capabilities at MSPO 2018, Kielce, Poland

LONDON – Sept. 3, 2018 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is showcasing its missile defence, advanced armaments and defence electronics capabilities at Poland’s International Defence Industry Exhibition, MSPO.

Poland has collaborated with the U.S. and our NATO allies since 1999 and has demonstrated its commitment to this strong, safe and secure alliance through next-generation missile defence capabilities like IBCS.

MSPO takes place Sept. 4-7 in Kielce, Poland. The Northrop Grumman exhibits are at stand numbers F-27 and E-37. They include a demonstration of integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) and short-range air defence (SHORAD) capabilities.

“Northrop Grumman is committed to Poland and to helping create innovative solutions to meet Poland’s national security needs. Through the acquisition of IBCS, Poland will have the most sophisticated and technologically advanced integrated air and missile defence system that will enable the use of multiple sensors and effectors on a network. Poland’s WISLA integrated air and missile defence system will be capable of employing short range air and missile defence systems being considered for NAREW and will provide any sensor, best shooter engagements,” said Tarik Reyes, vice president, missile defence and protective systems, Northrop Grumman. “We are excited to offer our range of core capabilities and continue building our presence in Poland to deepen our relationships with our key customers so that we can provide effective support for in-country business development activities.”

The IAMD Battle Command System (IBCS) is a revolutionary command-and-control system developed to deliver a single, unambiguous view of the battlespace, as recently demonstrated over vast distances via the multi-node distributed test. This significantly enhances aircraft and missile tracking and improves the ability of combatant commanders and air defenders to make critical decisions within seconds. With a modular open systems architecture, IBCS allows integration of current and future sensors and weapon systems. IBCS enables “any sensor, best shooter” operations to optimize limited resources and facilitate flexible defense designs.

Northrop Grumman’s SHORAD capabilities protect U.S. and allied forces from a wide range of manned and unmanned air and missile threats. Our capabilities utilize sensors, weapons and command control to acquire, track, verify, engage and defeat incoming threats.

Northrop Grumman will also showcase its precision artillery, advanced tank ammunition and tactical missile capabilities that are well-suited to meet Poland’s modernisation needs.

The Northrop Grumman Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AGM-88E) is a supersonic, medium-range, air-launched tactical missile that provides the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and Italian Air Force with the latest and most advanced weapon system for engaging and destroying enemy air defences and time-critical, mobile targets. AGM-88E is compatible with Poland’s airframes and can provide advanced strike capability.

The company is also displaying its Bushmaster Chain Guns and medium calibre ammunition. The Mk44 chain gun is well established in the Polish Army and is integrated on  the Rozomak ground combat vehicle, representing the largest installed base of the 30x173mm chain guns worldwide. Additionally, Northrop Grumman’s Precision Guidance Kit for 155mm artillery and Kinetic Energy Tungsten 120mm tank ammunition are compatible with Poland’s artillery projectiles and main battle tanks, and would provide advanced capabilities for those systems.

Information will be available on the AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar, the ground-based multi-mission active electronically scanned array radar developed and now in production for the U.S. Marine Corps. The Marine Corps achieved AN/TPS-80 Initial Operational Capability in early 2018. AN/TPS-80 incorporates the latest high efficiency Gallium Nitride antenna technology and provides comprehensive 360 degree, multi-threat detection and tracking. The AN/TPS-80 architecture is designed to support integration with IBCS.

Northrop Grumman’s German subsidiary, Northrop Grumman LITEF, will highlight its range of Fibre Optic Gyros and Micro-electro-mechanical Systems Accelerometers as well as innovative Inertial Navigation and Reference Systems for air, land and maritime applications.

Northrop Grumman has a well-established presence in Europe with more than 2,200 employees in the U.K., France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.

3rd OSS honors a storied past

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Paul Babbitt, with the 3rd Operations Support Squadron aerospace flight equipment section, holds the 3rd OSS patch he designed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 12, 2018. Babbitt had the opportunity to design the new patch after squadron leadership thought an update was necessary. (Photo by Senior Airman Javier Alvarez)

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska —

It’s been said that every successful air mission begins and ends on the flightline. That’s true for a Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson unit with a long legacy.

The 3rd Airdrome Squadron was born out of necessity on November 7, 1942 at Lockburne Army Air Base, Ohio.

Tasked to rapidly deploy and establish airstrips in remote locations, the 3rd AS advanced through the Pacific during the island-hopping campaign of World War II. From one location to the next, service members mapped, dug, dragged, plowed, cleared, filled, paved and maintained landing strips, in support of air operations from New Guinea to the Philippines, Okinawa and Japan – all the while combating torrential weather and a relentless enemy.

“You have to be a student of history to understand where we’re going, and you have to be a student of history to know where we can go,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Rogers, 3rd Operations Support Squadron commander. “[The squadron showed] you need to have an expeditionary function in your OSS. You don’t just show up with airplanes on an airfield without having someone on the ground doing all the prep work.”

In a Library of Congress archived interview, then-Army Air Corps Capt. Gilbert Brahn, 3rd AS aircraft engineer officer, recalled some of the ever-present dangers faced during the war.

“I remember very vividly a kamikaze plane punching into the water not far off from the ship I was on,” he said. “The anti-aircraft had shot down that plan and another one. There were other planes that were warded off because of it. Things were clear and the sky was clear.”

The heavens would not remain clear for long as Mother Nature had different plans.

“In November 1944, there was 40 inches of rain [in Leyte, Philippines],” Brahn said. “We were in awful mud. There was a real problem with the preparation of the airfields.”

Despite atmospheric drawbacks, the men went on enduring much of the same – ultimately reaching Japan in the summer of 1945.

“The squadron was involved in the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II,” said Christopher Koonce, 673d Air Base Wing historian. “They were brought to Atsugi, Japan just before the formal surrender to establish U.S. presence for Gen. Douglas Macarthur’s arrival. This was the first transient point in the early stages of U.S. occupation.”

By war’s end, the squadron had navigated across three countries, covering more than 3,500 miles in the process. The unit was inactivated soon after the war, reactivated for a short while in Kimpo, Korea, and finally inactivated Oct. 8, 1948.

The 3rd AS remained dormant for 43 years before being rebranded the 3rd Operations Support Squadron and reactivated at then-Elmendorf Air Force Base Dec. 6, 1991.

“It’s a very diverse squadron, and I think being Arctic Wolves, embodies the squadron,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Paul Babbitt, with 3rd OSS aerospace flight equipment. “If only one wolf in the pack goes out to hunt, not everyone gets to eat. That fearless adventurous spirit. That’s the spirit of the 3rd OSS.”

Today, 225 Airmen across 26 different Air Force Specialty Codes make up the 3rd OSS.

“[The 3rd OSS] is really unique because you have people like us in aircrew flight equipment who pack chutes and making sure all the survival equipment is good to go so pilots can survive in the sky,” Babbitt said. “You have people in Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape teaching aircrew how to survive. You have airfield management who ensure the airfield is good and planes can take off and land, and many others.”

Taking a page from the history books, the Air Force in some ways is reverting to those early days of the squadron, Koonce said.

“With the new Agile Combat Employment, we’re going to a location, flying for a few hours or days, and moving to a new location,” Koonce said. “That’s essentially what they did in WWII. They would get to an island; sometimes the air field would be a small dirt strip and maybe they’d have to extend or expand. Maybe there would be holes because they dropped bombs on it so they’d have to repair that.”

Today’s OSS Airmen face a different set of challenges; with each technological advance comes the need for more stringent airfield requirements. What may have worked for propeller aircraft of days past may not be sufficient for fifth generation fighters.

“We’re now in a position where we’re doing that exact same thing,” Rogers said. “I’m sending people to austere locations, and asking what would it take to get an airplane here?

“This is the most diverse OSS in the Air Force,” he said. “You trust us to go out to these airfields that are in the middle of nowhere, and not only to deploy there and support operations that are ongoing, but research and come up with the shopping list of things we have to get to open them and enable them. That has a national-level impact. That’s a pretty amazing thing.”

Northrop Grumman’s Missile Defense Battle Manager Shares Integrated Air Picture Over Vast Distances

Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System extends hundreds of miles to enable the multi-domain battlespace

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Aug. 15, 2018 – The Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC)-developed Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Battle Command System (IBCS) successfully demonstrated its ability to scale up and network across long distances during a recent U.S. Army-led test. The evaluation was conducted by U.S. Army soldiers over a five-week period with air and missile defense assets located at sites in New Mexico, Texas and Alabama.

The ability of Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) to integrate sensors and shooters over a vast area and grow the single integrated air picture offers huge advantages to air defenders and the joint forces.

“The ability of IBCS to integrate sensors and shooters over a vast area and grow the single integrated air picture offers huge advantages to air defenders and the joint forces,” said Dan Verwiel, vice president and general manager, missile defense and protective systems, Northrop Grumman. “This was demonstrated using an operationally realistic equipment laydown across several states and showed how IBCS is truly a force multiplier.

“This Soldier Checkout Event (SCOE) demonstrated the ability of IBCS to scale broadly. It further demonstrated IBCS’ robust network management technologies to efficiently and effectively maintain voice, data and video connectivity for the warfighter’s increasingly complex and challenging environment,” said Verwiel.

As part of SCOE 4.0, the multi-node distributed test examined IBCS’ scalability, resilience and performance under stressing threat conditions. The open-architecture IBCS networked more than 20 nodes across White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico; Fort Bliss, Texas; and Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Integrated to operate as a single system, the test involved nine IBCS engagement operations centers and 12 IBCS integrated fire control network relays, along with Sentinel short range air defense radars and Patriot radars, Patriot Advance Capability Two (PAC-2), PAC-3 and PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors.

The test required IBCS to virtually form an IAMD task force to defend four critical assets while tracking ‘red’ and ‘blue’ fighter aircraft, cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles. Multiple two-hour scenarios were run to check IBCS abilities, including: providing and managing a network to maintain voice, data and video connectivity; performing friend-or-foe identification of air objects and forming the single integrated air picture; and planning, executing and monitoring simulated threat engagements.

The test also included dynamically adding and removing nodes to confirm IBCS’ ability to self-configure as a mobile ad hoc network.

The IBCS-enabled enterprise system provides significant benefits over standalone, proprietary systems that merely ‘talk’ with each other. With IBCS, air and missile defense commanders can orchestrate forces over extensive distances using whatever means of communications that are available. Today, commanders are restricted by the proprietary and limited networks tied to the individual closed systems.

“Extensive testing has shown IBCS to be increasingly mature and its capabilities will be game-changers on the battlefield. IBCS delivers an unprecedented degree of integration to fill gaps in today’s air defenses while enabling multi-domain concepts such as affordably integrating unmanned or fifth generation fighter aircraft,” said Verwiel.

IBCS continues to validate the advantages of an open-systems, net-centric, enterprise approach to air and missile defense for getting capabilities to the warfighter that make a pivotal difference on the battlefield. Previous SCOE trials proved IBCS’ value for building a significantly more accurate integrated air picture and its effectiveness for countering electronic attacks.

The system has already demonstrated its ability to take out live targets, having conducted a successful intercept on its inaugural flight test and a more difficult “engage-on-remote” on its second flight test. During its third flight test, IBCS simultaneously intercepted two types of threats with two different interceptor types by providing command-and-control for sensors and weapons never designed to work with each other. Two more successful flight tests in support of the Indirect Fire Protection Capability were conducted with Sidewinder and Longbow Hellfire missiles. Both missiles were integrated into the system within a few short months.

IBCS is the central component of the Army’s future IAMD construct. The program is managed by the Army Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

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.

U.S. ARMY SELECTS LOCKHEED MARTIN AS INTEGRATED SYSTEMS DEVELOPER FOR AUTONOMOUS CONVOY PROGRAM

DALLAS, July 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) was selected by the U.S. Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) as the Integrated Systems Developer for its Expedient Leader Follower (ExLF) program.

In this role, Lockheed Martin will lead a three-year effort to develop, integrate and test unmanned prototype systems for supporting leader/follower convoy activities within an asymmetric threat environment. Soldiers will conduct operational technology demonstrations using the prototypes developed in the ExLF program to establish operating procedures and shape future programs of record. 

"We are leveraging 15 years of experience in developing autonomous capabilities for our customers," said Gaylia Campbell, vice president of Precision Fires & Combat Maneuver Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Our goal as the Integrated Systems Developer is to help coordinate a number of systems and vendors in achieving mature, reliable autonomous convoys to support our warfighters in complex environments."

Soldiers conduct resupply convoys within an asymmetric threat environment compounded by long sustainment missions, adverse weather/environment and night operations. These conditions adversely impact operator safety, degrade driver/operator situational awareness and reduce resupply efficiency. 

"The Expedient Leader Follower effort will equip a number of existing military ground vehicles with scalable robotic technology through the integration of modular kits, common interfaces and an open architecture to increase operator safety, improve situational awareness and increase resupply efficiency," Campbell said.

Luxembourg Defence orders two H145Ms

H145M, ©Anthony Pecci/Airbus Helicopters

Donauwörth, The Government of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg has ordered two H145M multipurpose helicopters for defence and security missions. Together with the helicopters, Airbus will also provide a training and support package to its customer. The helicopters will be delivered before the end of 2019 and will enter into service beginning of 2020.

With a maximum take-off weight of 3.7 tonnes, the H145M can be used for a wide range of tasks, including troop and passenger transport, surveillance, air rescue, reconnaissance and medical evacuation. The helicopters will be equipped with a hoist, a fast roping system, a high-performance camera, a search light, advanced communication systems and will have provisions to install a light armour protection kit. The latest technologies to allow the helicopter to operate in adverse weather conditions and during nighttime are incorporated in the design. The helicopters will be operated and serviced at Luxembourg Findel Airport.

The H145M is a tried-and-tested light twin-engine helicopter that was first delivered in 2015 to the German Armed Forces and has since been ordered by Hungary, Thailand and the Republic of Serbia. Mission readiness of the H145Ms already in service is above 95 percent.

Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145M is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a highperformance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145M the quietest helicopter in its class.

LOCKHEED MARTIN AND THALESRAYTHEONSYSTEMS JOIN FORCES TO PROVIDE THE NATO ALLIANCE WITH BATTLESPACE INTELLIGENCE SYSTEM

NATO countries soon to be protected by the development of an advanced territorial Ballistic Missile Defence to protect The Alliance's European populations and territories

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 17, 2018/PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and ThalesRaytheonSystems are joining forces to provide the NATO Alliance with a territorial Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) command and control capability.  This Teaming Agreement, signed in the presence of Raytheon and Thales, the two shareholders of the joint venture, establishes a transatlantic team that combines the depth and breadth of decades of expertise from Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, with the European air command and control capabilities of Thales.  The overall team will include industry representatives from across the Alliance to deliver a low risk capability for NATO's Air Command and Control BMD program.

At the 2010 Lisbon Summit, NATO leaders decided to develop a Missile Defence Capability to protect all NATO European populations and territories against ballistic missile attacks.  The Alliance's Heads of State and Government stated that they see this as a core element of NATO's collective defence task in view of the growing threat of the proliferation of ballistic missile technology and weapons of mass destruction.  The focus of the Programme is the upgrade, test and integration of NATO's command and control (C2) systems and underlying communication network to enable effective information exchanges between various NATO and national missile defence systems. This integrated system-of-systems architecture will provide NATO forces, whether deployed within or beyond NATO's area of responsibility, with the capability to defend NATO populations and territories.

Dave Gulla, vice president of Mission Systems and Solutions, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, stated, "Our companies are committed to providing the best technical and program talent available to provide a low risk and operationally relevant NATO BMD capability.  We are confident that this teaming framework creates the best value for NATO and ensures delivery of a timely and effective territorial BMD capability."

"Lockheed Martin delivered the Defence Design System for NATO's BMD planning capability. We will leverage that success, as well as our expertise in command and control, weapon system development and systems integration to achieve the Alliance goals," said Dr. Rob Smith, vice president of C4ISR for Lockheed Martin's Rotary and Mission Systems.  "Lockheed's success in delivering the C2 capability for US Ballistic Missile Defense System is a result of our focus on end user needs.  We delivered a very complex C2 capability that is intuitive and effective for mission execution.  We accomplished this in partnership with Raytheon and other US companies and we look forward to delivering this capability with Thales and TRS." 

"This teaming agreement is perfectly aligned with our four companies orientations towards both system of systems innovative solutions and reinforcing existing partnerships, which proved its value through the previous joint successes such as Theater Missile Defense," said Thomas Got, Head of the Air Operations and Weapons System line of business for Thales Group.  "Our companies will join the best of each in meeting NATO's command and control needs."

According to Eric Marceau, CEO of the TRS Joint Venture, "This Teaming Agreement codifies the relationship established with Lockheed Martin in 2008 to deliver NATO's Theater Missile Defence capability.  It will further our collaboration to deliver the full spectrum capability the Alliance requires for territorial Ballistic Missile Defense.  This team will provide the operational command and control capability for the protection for all NATO European populations, territory and forces against the threats posed by ballistic missiles."

LOCKHEED MARTIN SIGNS TEAMING AGREEMENT WITH RAFAEL TO MARKET SPICE AIR-TO-SURFACE MISSILE KITS

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., of Israel, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to evaluate potential markets and customer requirements for Rafael's Smart, Precise Impact and Cost-Effective (SPICE™) missile guidance kits.

"SPICE is a leading air-to-surface weapon system offering U.S. and international air forces operating Lockheed Martin's platforms, as well as strategic bomber aircraft, an important complement to their existing operational capabilities," Yuval Miller, Executive Vice President, Head of Rafael's Air & C4ISR Division. "SPICE's unique features greatly enhance the U.S.' ability to operate in contested environments. We are excited to engage in cooperation with Lockheed Martin to make SPICE available as a U.S.-made system, adapted to fully meet U.S. standards."

SPICE is a family of stand-off, autonomous, air-to-surface weapon systems, capable of destroying targets with pinpoint accuracy and at high attack volumes in a GPS-denied environment. Combat-proven and in service with the Israeli Air Force and several international customers, SPICE employs a state-of-the-art electro-optical seeker with unique scene-matching algorithms, navigation guidance and homing techniques to achieve operational missions in adverse weather without GPS. The MOU covers the SPICE 1000 (453 kilogram / 1,000 pound weight class) and SPICE 2000 (907 kilogram / 2,000 pound weight class) precision guided missile kit variants.

"Lockheed Martin has a long history of successfully providing customers with missiles and missile systems that are affordable, proven and in production," said Dan Norton, vice president of Strategy and Business Development at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "This partnership will allow us to share our precision guided system and aircraft integration expertise with allies that can benefit from the mission flexibility that the SPICE 1000 and SPICE 2000 offer."