Raytheon, Northrop Grumman Sign Teaming Agreement on Scramjet-Powered Tactical Missile Systems

Industry team developing air-breathing hypersonic weapons

PARIS – June 18, 2019 – Building on years of collaboration, Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) have signed a teaming agreement to develop, produce and integrate Northrop Grumman’s scramjet combustors to power Raytheon’s air-breathing hypersonic weapons. The teaming agreement uses the combined capabilities of both companies to accelerate development and demonstrate readiness to produce the next generation of tactical missile systems.

Hypersonic vehicles operate at extreme speeds and high altitudes. Northrop Grumman and Raytheon are teaming to accelerate air-breathing hypersonic vehicle development.

Scramjet engines use high vehicle speed to forcibly compress incoming air before combustion to enable sustained flight at hypersonic speeds. Such speeds reduce flight times and increase weapon survivability, effectiveness and flexibility.

“The Raytheon/Northrop Grumman team is quickly developing air-breathing hypersonic weapons to keep our nation ahead of the threat,” said Dr. Thomas Bussing, Raytheon Advanced Missile Systems vice president. “This agreement combines Raytheon’s decades of tactical missile expertise with Northrop Grumman’s extensive scramjet engine development experience to produce the best possible weapons.”

Northrop Grumman and Raytheon are working under a $200 million Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept, or HAWC, program contract to deliver an affordable, effective and producible cruise missile for DARPA and the U.S. Air Force. 

“This teaming agreement extends our strong partnership with Raytheon on this critical technology capability. Our deep heritage in propulsion, fuzes and warheads will help accelerate readiness of tomorrow’s missiles to meet range, survivability, safety and lethality requirements,” said Mike Kahn, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman’s Defense Systems. “Together with Raytheon, we intend to make great strides toward improving our nation’s high-speed weapon systems, which are critical to enhancing our warfighters’ capabilities for greater standoff and quicker time to target.”

Under the agreement, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman will continue to collaborate on HAWC and future air-breathing hypersonic missiles. Both companies are investing in hypersonic technologies and programs to ensure the military has a robust portfolio. 

Preparing for the OmegA Rocket: How to do a Static Test

By Kendra Kastelan

Tucked into the hillside off a quiet Utah highway, bunker-like buildings go relatively unnoticed among the brush. Deep inside one of these shed-like structures rests the work of dozens of the country’s best rocket scientists. Soon, years of development and dedication will culminate in a ten-second countdown and a smoke plume, but following this qualification test the opportunities are vast. 

Recently, a team of technicians in Promontory, Utah, artfully manipulated the first stage of Northrop Grumman’s OmegA rocket into its final configuration using multiple cranes and other large tooling. After assembly, the 12-foot-diameter and 80-foot-long stage rests on supports, wiring spilling from its forward end and leading to data collection points carefully located based on precise measurements.

Northrop Grumman is building OmegA to launch intermediate to heavy national security payloads for the U.S. Air Force, as well as science and commercial payloads for other customers. Solid rocket motors with lightweight composite cases power the first and second stages. In a few weeks, the company will perform its first full-scale static test of the first stage, the bottom and most powerful portion of the rocket’s propulsion.

When talking to Scott Lehr, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman’s flight systems division, it is immediately clear he is proud of the work going on at Promontory. “This first stage ground test is a major milestone. Three and a half years ago we said we would accomplish this test in the spring of 2019, and that is exactly what we are going to do. In the National Security market, schedule is everything,” he said.

In the remaining days leading up to the static test, currently scheduled for May 30, 2019, technicians will finish attaching instrumentation gauges and data recorders that will measure key characteristics such as thrust, vibration and burn rate. Then they will practice conducting the test, running through and repeating each step of the countdown multiple times. Performing these simulations ensures the team members have all the test systems calibrated and functioning properly.

“Every countdown step is critical and has to be performed with perfection,” says Jamie Barney, director of test and research operations, propulsion systems, Northrop Grumman. “We have an extremely experienced team, but no one here is ever complacent about a rocket test.”

On test day, the entire test bay will roll back to expose the first stage motor attached to three “spacer” segments totaling 177 feet of white casing. When the countdown clock reaches zero, the igniter, housed in the forward segment, will rapidly ignite and pressurize the entire motor.

The motor will continue to burn for approximately two minutes, producing more than two million pounds of thrust channeled through a vectorable nozzle. During the test, 30 to 40 technicians and engineers will line the control room, closely monitoring the sensors, instrumentation, and cameras on and around the motor. They will collect approximately 700 data channels, gauging everything from case growth to component stresses to motor pressure to temperatures – all essential data to qualify this motor for flight.

“The first stage rocket motor is the heart of the OmegA vehicle,” says Paul Messer, OmegA first and second stage motor program manager, Northrop Grumman. “With the critical data from the static fire test, and the post-test inspections, we can qualify our products and ensure their reliability to our customers.”

For about six months after the test, the team will assess the data and disassemble, evaluate and dissect the hardware to observe the effects of motor operation. A post-assessment verdict of reliability across all systems will qualify the motor for flight.

“Successfully completing the full-scale static test later this month will be a significant milestone,” says Kevin Wilder, OmegA deputy program director, Northrop Grumman. “Everyone on the team is personally invested in this program, and we are all looking forward to OmegA’s first launch in 2021.”

Northrop Grumman Celebrates Ten Years of Collaboration with the Lebanese Air Force

By Nancy Stoehr-Campbell

Celebrating ten years of continuous collaboration and partnership, Northrop Grumman began its relationship with the Lebanese Air Force in 2009 with the delivery of its first missionized Cessna 208 aircraft.

Lebanese Air Force AC-208 Armed Caravan

“Northrop Grumman is honored to celebrate the last ten years of collaboration and camaraderie with the Lebanese Air Force,” said Cary Ralston, vice president, defense electronic systems, Northrop Grumman. “We remain committed to providing affordable, game-changing equipment and dedicated support that ultimately prepares our customers with the ability to respond to their rapidly evolving mission requirements. We look forward to continuing our partnership.”

Over the years, Northrop Grumman has delivered two variants of converted Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft, a popular single engine turboprop, to the Lebanese Air Force. Lebanon received two armed aircraft (AC-208B) and one intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft (RC-208B) that was later converted into an armed variant.

Additionally, Northrop Grumman has continuously provided in-country maintenance, on the job training and logistics support for missionized Caravans. The certified and battle-proven AC-208B Armed Caravan is an affordable, highly reliable solution that requires minimal personnel and facilities to operate and maintain.

The aircraft modification integrates an electro-optical sensor, tactical communications, video datalinks, a mission system operator console and aircraft self-protection equipment into the aircraft, as well as Northrop Grumman’s own wing hard points. The mission system operator console unites Northrop Grumman’s Mission Management and Fire Control System giving the aircraft precision strike capability with Hellfire missiles and provides day/night reconnaissance, and the ability to acquire, monitor and track items of interest.

Northrop Grumman Palmdale Facility Awarded Quality Plant of the Year

PALMDALE, Calif. – March 1, 2019 – Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) Palmdale Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence has been named the Quality Plant of the Year by Quality Magazine. Each year the publication awards this recognition to a manufacturing plant in the U.S.

Palmdale Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence was awarded the 2019 Quality Plant of the Year by Quality Magazine

“Quality is engrained in our team,” said Cory Carruth, vice president and Palmdale site manager, Northrop Grumman. “It’s part of our culture and something our employees take very personal as it’s critical to the safety of our warfighters.”

According to Quality Magazine, the award recognizes a manufacturing facility that uses world-class technology, equipment, services and techniques to reduce scrap, rework, warranty or manufacturing costs; improve productivity or cycle time; increase capacity; or improve adherence to quality standards.

As a core value at Northrop Grumman, quality is personal to its employees and foundational to all aspects of production.

“Our workforce is absolutely critical to quality,” said Deb Andree, vice president, mission assurance, Northrop Grumman. “They are involved from documenting requirements though delivery of post-production technology enhancements as well as logistics and sustainment. We provide our customers the highest quality products and services so they can achieve their mission.”

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.

Northrop Grumman to Support Coast Guard Patrol Cutter C4ISR and Control

Company supports integrated bridge, navigation, command and control, computing network, data distribution, machinery control and propulsion control systems

February 04, 2019

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Feb. 4, 2019 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been awarded production and long lead time materials (LLTM) contracts for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) C4ISR and control systems, by Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG).

The Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter. Rendering courtesy Eastern Shipbuilding Group.

Northrop Grumman will produce C4ISR and control systems for the lead OPC, USCGC Argus (WMSM-915), and procure LLTM for these systems on the second OPC, USCGC Chase (WMSM-916).

Northrop Grumman’s contributions to the OPC platform include the integrated bridge, navigation, command and control, computing network, data distribution, machinery control and propulsion control systems. It will perform C4ISR system integration at their OPC Test and Integration Facility in Charlottesville, and control systems integration at their Charlottesville Land-Based Test Facility.

“Northrop Grumman is a key member of our OPC team,” said Joey D’Isernia, president, ESG. “Together, we have established an innovative approach to C4ISR and control systems integration that supports ESG’s ability to deliver high quality, highly capable vessels on time and within budget.”

The OPC will provide the majority of the USCG offshore presence for homeland security missions, replacing the 210-foot and 270-foot Medium Endurance Cutters. On Sept. 28, the USCG exercised ESG’s option to produce the Argus and procure LLTM for the Chase.

“Northrop Grumman’s C4ISR and control systems will enhance the OPC platform’s capabilities to execute the Coast Guard’s missions,” said Todd Leavitt, vice president, maritime systems, Northrop Grumman. “We are proud to have supported ESG in the achievement of this major OPC milestone, and look forward to continuing success in our support of this vital USCG program.”

Northrop Grumman Authorized to Build SEWIP Block 3 Low Rate Initial Production Systems Following Successful Milestone C Decision

Production to begin on game-changing electronic warfare capability for U.S. Navy fleet

BALTIMORE – Jan. 24, 2019 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has received authorization to proceed with low rate initial production of Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 3 systems following a successful Milestone C decision for the SEWIP Block 3 AN/SLQ-32(V)7 program.

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Northrop Grumman has continued to invest in advanced capabilities in Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare (EMW). With the Navy elevating the electromagnetic spectrum as a warfighting domain, SEWIP Block 3 is the cornerstone capability that will meet the urgent operational needs of the Fleet.

Milestone C is a government led review to assess a program’s performance and readiness to enter the production and deployment phase. The successful Milestone C decision for SEWIP Block 3 recognizes the accomplishments of the Northrop Grumman and Navy team in demonstrating the capability of this groundbreaking electronic warfare (EW) capability.

“Milestone C approval and the start of LRIP are significant milestones for the SEWIP Block 3 program,” said Captain Seiko Okano, the Navy’s Major Program Manager of Above Water Sensors. “SEWIP Block 3 is a critical capability that the Fleet needed yesterday to pace the evolving anti-ship cruise missile threat. We must continue to push to deliver this critical electronic warfare improvement to the Fleet on schedule and cost.”

SEWIP Block 3 is the third in a series of block upgrades of the AN/SLQ-32 electronic warfare (EW) system which provides electronic attack (EA) capability improvements required to pace the evolving anti-ship missile threat. Northrop Grumman has provided electronic warfare expertise to the legacy AN/SLQ-32 EW system for over four decades. With the Navy elevating the electromagnetic spectrum as a warfighting domain, SEWIP Block 3 is a cornerstone capability that will meet the urgent operational needs of the Navy in that domain. SEWIP Block 3 provides game changing improved capability for non-kinetic electronic attack options.

“I am very proud of the entire team in achieving this significant engineering milestone despite the complexities of pursuing such a demanding technological goal,” said Ingrid Vaughan, vice president and general manager, navigation & maritime systems division, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. “The relentless commitment of the U.S. Navy Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) and Northrop Grumman team in developing this revolutionary electronic attack capability will dramatically assist our Fleet in pacing 21st century threats.”

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.

Northrop Grumman-Built Dawn Spacecraft Successfully Concludes Historic Journey

Eleven-year mission, part of NASA’s Discovery program, responsible for advancing our understanding of planetary formation in the solar system

DULLES, Va. – Nov. 1, 2018 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) today marked the successful conclusion of the company-built Dawn spacecraft’s mission to the two largest bodies in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The spacecraft, which has been in flight for more than 11 years, has ceased operations after depleting its attitude-control fuel. The spacecraft was the first NASA science mission to fully rely on solar electric ion propulsion, the world’s most advanced and efficient space propulsion technology.

Northrop Grumman-built Dawn spacecraft concludes its 11-year mission for NASA exploring planetary formation in the solar system.

Northrop Grumman designed and built Dawn at the company’s satellite manufacturing facility in Dulles, Virginia, working closely with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Dawn launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on September 27, 2007. During its long journey, the spacecraft traveled more than 4.2 billion miles, or the equivalent of 168,000 trips around Earth’s equator. It collected and delivered an extensive amount of data, including nearly 100,000 images distributed to scientists worldwide. The mission provided the first-ever, close-up look at two planet-like bodies that date back to the formation of the solar system.

The Dawn project team has received numerous prestigious awards in recognition of the mission’s achievements, including the 2014 National Air & Space Museum Trophy, the 2015 Robert J. Collier Trophy and the 2016 National Space Club’s Nelson P. Jackson Award.

“Northrop Grumman is proud to have played an important role in Dawn’s historic mission,” said Frank Culbertson, president, space systems group, Northrop Grumman. “The spacecraft has truly helped shape our knowledge of the early solar system during its 11 years in flight. It also serves as another great example of the flight-proven reliability of Northrop Grumman’s LEOStar™ spacecraft platform and the company’s dedication to delivering highly successful scientific spacecraft.”

After launch in 2007, Dawn used its ion propulsion system to direct its trajectory outward to the main asteroid belt. In February 2009, the spacecraft flew past the planet Mars, using the planet’s gravity to adjust the trajectory towards its first destination. Dawn reached Vesta, the second most massive object in the main asteroid belt, in July 2011. It spent nearly 14 months orbiting and mapping Vesta, returning more than 30,000 images and other measurements. Vesta lived up to expectations, being a dry, rocky body with a long history of massive impacts preserved in its cratered surface.

In September 2012, Dawn departed Vesta in pursuit of its second destination, the dwarf planet Ceres, the largest remaining unexplored world of the inner solar system. Dawn entered orbit around Ceres in March 2015. Since then, Dawn has returned over 60,000 images of this intriguing body. The infrared spectra show evidence for past and potentially ongoing cryovolcanic activity, frozen water ice in permanently shadowed craters, and areas rich in organic material. Dawn’s images of Vesta and Ceres substantially exceed the resolution previously available, improving by more than 800 times on the resolution of Hubble Space Telescope observations.

Dawn completed its prime mission and two extended science observation missions before depleting the last of its attitude-control fuel. Engineers designed Dawn’s final orbit at Ceres to ensure it will not crash for at least 20 years – and likely decades longer.

US Misawa Air Base Pilots in Japan Join Live RED FLAG Alaska Mission from Virtual Cockpits

BALTIMORE – Oct. 30, 2018 – For the first time, U.S. Air Force crew members from Misawa Air Force Base, Japan, participated in two live RED FLAG Alaska missions from virtual cockpits at the Misawa Mission Training Center. These training events demonstrate how Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is leading the advancement of Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) technologies with its LVC Experimentation, Integration, and Operations Suite (LEXIOS).

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon taxis down the runway during exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 19-1, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Oct. 9, 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Collette Brooks)

“Our LVC solution highlights the value of Northrop Grumman to our U.S. and international customers and is tremendous for military training transformation,” said Martin Amen, director, secure network operations, Northrop Grumman. “We are at the leading edge of combining tactical simulator training with a live tactical event. When we started, LVC was seen as an adjunct capability. However, today LVC is an integrated depended-upon training element.”

The Misawa pilots took part in the Aug. 11-24 and Oct. 8-19 RED FLAG Alaska exercises. Northrop Grumman provided its LVC expertise in all four RED FLAG Alaska military training exercises. This represented the most comprehensive LVC offering to date and the team has now delivered advanced LVC content in more than 15 different large-scale exercises.

In this published article, Eielson Air Force Base described Northrop Grumman LVC training that took place at the most recent Northern Edge military training exercise.

Since 2015, the Pacific Air Forces LVC program has been implementing on-demand, LVC training capability for aircrews. Using LEXIOS and additional Northrop Grumman solutions, virtual cockpits, constructive (computer-generated) aircraft and weapons and live training exercises are integrated on the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC) range.

“It’s an amazing feat to fuse JPARC with the virtual world via our engineering systems integration expertise. It showcases the broad capabilities of Northrop Grumman and enables our customers to expand and improve the training experience,” said David Royal, operations program manager, LVC operations, Northrop Grumman. “Our LVC expertise enhances the end-to-end operational training experience for the warfighter.”

As the integration and operations lead, Northrop Grumman has defined, developed and implemented an on-demand training architecture which integrates the existing global virtual and constructive training solutions such as the Combat Air Forces Distributed Mission Operations Network (DMON) and Mobile Air Forces Distributed Training Center Network to enhance live and synthetic aircrew training. This integrated solution provides a battle space where LVC platforms can seamlessly communicate, interact and train with one another.

Northrop Grumman’s LVC operations team leads the scheduling, mission planning and execution of all virtual sites and computer-generated assets, while managing event security and augmenting the battle space with role-playing platforms such as the E-8C JSTARS, RC-135 RIVET JOINT, and F-16CM when neither live aircraft or virtual sites are available for a specific event. Some of the sites involved included Misawa Air Base and Robins, Langley, Ellsworth, Orlando, Eielson and Elmendorf Air Force Bases.

According to Royal, the exercise participants get a better training experience when the synthetic elements are added to their live training, giving them access to all the operational tools they would have in a combat situation. “Northrop Grumman’s LVC capabilities are specifically designed to fill gaps in live training by connecting simulators (via the DMON) that could not get to the live fly training events.”

Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aerial refueling program and initiative to rapidly integrate a new sensor into the Global Hawk system also recognized

Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aerial refueling program and initiative to rapidly integrate a new sensor into the Global Hawk system also recognized

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Oct. 25, 2018 – The Global Adaptive Planning Collaborative Information Environment (GAP CIE), developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) with the U.S. Air Force, has received the Aviation Week Program Excellence Award in the supplier aftermarket category.

The annual awards honor global aerospace and defense programs “for going beyond meeting requirements to exemplify the best in value creation, leadership, adapting to complexity and executing with excellence,” Aviation Week said. During the evaluation process, more than 300 program management representatives from across industry and government score each application, resulting in the widespread sharing of innovative practices and processes.

GAP CIE offers a web-enabled, net-centric environment for contingency and crisis action planning at the combatant commander (COCOM) and strategic level. The system allows multiple COCOM staffs, subordinate commands and other agencies in multiple security enclaves to collaborate online for mission planning and providing analysis to senior decision-makers.

 “The award acknowledges our focus on excellence and continued partnership with the Air Force to enhance and sustain a crucial capability for collaboration among global combatant commands,” said Dan Verwiel, vice president and general manager, missile defense and protective systems, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. “We created a continuous improvement culture and emphasized technical innovation, affordability, quality and schedule performance to enable exceptional program execution.”

Two other Northrop Grumman programs were also recognized as award finalists.

The U.S. Navy’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, carrier-based airborne early warning and control aircraft program team was recognized for the design and development of the aerial refueling capability for the aircraft. The aerial refueling system modification contains several upgrades to accommodate the refueling capability including adding the fuel probe plumbing, formation lighting, long-endurance seats, as well as flight control software and hardware changes.

The Northrop Grumman Global Hawk MS-177 Sensor Integration Team were recognized for rapidly integrating the new intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sensor on a legacy platform under a significantly compressed timeline. The sensor gives Department of Defense stakeholders a platform that is more rapidly adaptable to changing mission needs within their planning cycles.

Northrop Grumman Completes Two Orion Spacecraft Launch Abort Motors for Upcoming Tests

By Hillary Walker

Human spaceflight is inherently risky, which is why we have tremendous safeguards in place to protect our astronauts. When NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft fly in 2020, a Launch Abort System (LAS) will be incorporated into the design. Northrop Grumman’s launch abort motor is an integral part of the LAS, which will safely pull the Orion crew module away from the launch vehicle in the event of an emergency on the launch pad or during ascent. Orion is designed to launch on NASA’s SLS, which will be the first vehicle to send humans into space from American soil since the space shuttle program ended in 2011. Northrop Grumman is on contract to Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor building Orion, to build the launch abort motor and attitude control motor for the LAS.

The Launch Abort Motor team stands near two completed motors before shipment. The AA-2 motor will play a key role in the Ascent Abort test scheduled for Spring 2019 and the QM-2 motor will be tested under cold conditions at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Promontory, Utah in December.

“My team understands the importance of the work we do,” said Steve Sara, program director, launch abort system, Northrop Grumman. “We hope that the launch abort motor never has to be used, but just like an ejection seat in a fighter pilot’s aircraft, if they need it, it needs to work every time.”

Recently, Northrop Grumman completed production of the launch abort motor that will fly as an integral part of a test of NASA’s LAS and Orion spacecraft in 2019. This full-stress test of the LAS, called Ascent Abort Test 2 (AA-2), will launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, carrying a fully functional launch abort system and a 22,000 pound Orion test vehicle to an altitude of 32,000 feet at Mach 1.3 (approximately 1,000 miles an hour). At that point, the LAS’ powerful reverse-flow abort motor will fire, carrying the Orion test vehicle away from the boost vehicle. In addition to the abort motor and attitude control motor for this test, Northrop Grumman is also providing the specialized rocket that will simulate SLS launch conditions.

As the AA-2 motor is prepared for its flight in Florida, the team is working hard to prepare for another very important test of a launch abort motor. The Qualification Motor-2 recently completed production at Northrop Grumman’s manufacturing facility in Magna, Utah and has been shipped to Northrop Grumman’s test facility in Promontory, Utah. The second qualification test is scheduled to take place in December. During this test the motor will be conditioned to cold temperatures to qualify the launch abort motor for flights in low temperature conditions. Both AA-2 and QM-2 are critical milestones on the path to the pad for the SLS and Orion programs.

Northrop Grumman Showcases Autonomous Maritime Capabilities at U.S. Navy’s Advanced Naval Technology Exercise

Exercise demonstrated air drop of sonobuoys from a Northrop Grumman Fire Scout surrogate aircraft and deployed the Northrop Grumman micro synthetic aperture sonar (µSAS) with real-time automated target recognition on a man-portable UUV

NEWPORT, R.I. – Sept. 19, 2018 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) in collaboration with industry partners participated in the U.S. Navy’s Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) last month in Newport, Rhode Island.  The company demonstrated advanced capabilities in the command and control of future unmanned maritime missions and the ability to more effectively deliver critical information to the warfighter in contested environments.

Northrop Grumman’s Fire Scout autonomous surrogate launches a sonobuoy as part the 2018 Advanced Naval Training Exercise in Newport, Rhode Island.

“Northrop Grumman’s expertise in networked sensors and advanced mission management for autonomous aircraft systems provides significant offensive and defensive capabilities for our customers in the maritime environment,” said Dan Redman, ANTX program manager, Northrop Grumman. “By showcasing how sensors can be airdropped from a Fire Scout surrogate, we are demonstrating future mission applications for this platform.”

Northrop Grumman’s seabed warfare capabilities were also highlighted at this year’s exercise. A central part of this demonstration was Northrop Grumman’s µSAS and real-time automated target recognition technologies. The µSAS is a low size, weight and power, high-performance payload that can operate off a man-portable autonomous underwater vehicle for real-time classification of mine-like objects. 

“This technology is an example of leveraging digital transformation to rapidly provide software defined, hardware enabled capabilities to the fleet,” said Alan Lytle, vice president, undersea systems, Northrop Grumman. “Integration of unmanned and autonomous capabilities into the battle space reduces staffing required to conduct operations and risk to personnel, while supporting our nation’s continued undersea superiority.”

Low-SWAP, Information Assurance/Anti-Tamper Enabled, High-Performance, Interferometric Synthetic Aperture SONAR for Micro-UUVs

The three-day annual exercise was developed to demonstrate future Navy technologies in a collaborative, low-risk environment. Government, academia and industry participants gathered to showcase new capabilities to push the boundaries of what is possible in a complex environment. Northrop Grumman was partnered in the exercise with Physical Optics Corp, Ultra Electronics USSI, Hydroid, Optimum Solutions and Silvus.

From Space Station Cargo Delivery to Deep Space Crew Habitats: Northrop Grumman’s Versatile Cygnus Spacecraft

With approximately 7,400 pounds of science experiments, tools and food tightly packed inside, Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus spacecraft was launched aboard an Antares rocket and began its journey to the International Space Station on Monday, May 21. Just three days later, the spacecraft reached its destination where it was greeted with a warm welcome from astronauts awaiting its arrival. This mission marks the company’s ninth cargo delivery to the orbiting laboratory. While the delivery of cargo and removal of trash has become almost routine for the cargo module, each mission is unique and continues to demonstrate the capabilities of the Cygnus spacecraft.

The Cygnus resupply ship with its round, brass-colored UltraFlex solar arrays is guided to its port on the Unity module shortly after it was captured with the Canadarm2 robotic arm on May 24, 2018. (Credit: NASA)

For this mission, Cygnus was named after J.R. Thompson, a distinguished leader in the aerospace industry. On May 24, the S.S. J.R. Thompson docked with the International Space Station before beginning the second phase of its mission. On July 10, Cygnus marked a major milestone as the first U.S. spacecraft to perform an altitude reboost of the International Space Station since the space shuttle fleet retired in 2011. A 50-second firing of the spacecraft’s engines raised the orbiting laboratory’s altitude by about 295 feet. Reboosts are a routine station maneuver that occur several times a year. The station orbits in an area where there is just enough residual atmosphere to cause drag on the vehicle which lowers its altitude over time. Reboosts raise the station back up, typically a couple of kilometers at a time.

Upon leaving the International Space Station on July 15, Cygnus released six cube satellites from the attached Nanoracks deployer before performing a safe and destructive reentry into Earth’s atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean. Although the removal of garbage may not seem like an exciting task, it is a critical part of keeping the station safe and clean for astronauts to work. In past missions, Cygnus has also been used as an extension of the space station by serving as a scientific platform, demonstrating its ability to expand the station’s capabilities for hosting experiments.

The S.S. J.R. Thompson is grappled by the International Space Station's Canadarm2 on May 24. (Credit: NASA)

But these are just the beginnings of Cygnus’s capabilities. In preparation for future crewed trips to deep space, Northrop Grumman has already begun the process of evolving Cygnus beyond low Earth orbit with the completion of Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP) Phase 1. For this initiative, NASA asked companies to conduct concept studies and explore technology needed for deep space exploration. To help achieve this goal, Northrop Grumman has turned its attention to the demonstrated versatility of Cygnus. NextSTEP Phase 2 is now underway, and the company is maturing the technology and design to construct on-ground simulators of a deep space habitat.

Northrop Grumman has used computer simulations to demonstrate that the company could possibly launch a habitat module aboard NASA's heavy lift Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with a crewed Orion capsule. On this potential mission, Cygnus would deploy as an initial habitat in cislunar space. When the Orion capsule and its crew return to Earth, the module would remain, operating autonomously, serving as a platform for experiments and potentially as a destination for future crewed missions.

Artist concept of a Cygnus-derived deep space habitat and logistics modules.

Eventually, additional modules would be added to the habitat, creating a cislunar outpost, and could even serve as disposable vehicles to deliver crew supplies and experiments. The modularity of the system allows for additional segments, including a node to provide supplemental docking ports that would allow for multiple visiting vehicles. Ultimately, crewed missions would help mature technologies for long duration human space exploration, including a trip to Mars.

In the meantime, Northrop Grumman will continue to meet the requirements of the Commercial Resupply Services contract (CRS) delivering cargo to the International Space Station. Under the current contract, CRS-1, Northrop Grumman will deliver approximately 66,000 pounds of cargo to the station, and beginning in 2019, the company will carry out a minimum of six initial cargo missions under the CRS-2 contract. This partnership is helping to cultivate a robust American commercial space industry.

Northrop Grumman Appoints Nick Chaffey as Chief Executive, UK and Europe

LONDON - July 23, 2018 - Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) named Nick Chaffey as chief executive for the United Kingdom and Europe, effective Aug. 28, 2018. He will play a leading role supporting the company's current programmes, developing strategies for growth and identifying new business opportunities for the company's activities in the U.K. and Europe, including NATO countries.

Chaffey joins Northrop Grumman after a 25-year career at PA Consulting Group where he was the founder and lead for PA’s Global Defence and Security Business, and previously the Global Head of Consulting Services, and a Member of the Board of PA Holdings Limited. Prior to that he spent six years in the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors at the Ministry of Defence.

"Nick brings a wealth of experience to Northrop Grumman as well as deep industry knowledge in defence and security gained in the consulting and public sectors," said David Perry, corporate vice president and chief global business development officer, Northrop Grumman. "His appointment is important for our future success in the U.K. and Europe as we continue expanding our international presence and broadening our market focus to one that is increasingly global. I am delighted that he is joining us at this time."

Chaffey earned a bachelor’s degree in electronic and optoelectronic engineering from University College London and a master’s degree from Imperial College Business School, specialising in strategic programme design and delivery.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. Please visit news.northropgrumman.comand follow us on Twitter, @NGCNews, for more information.

LONGBOW LLC AWARDED $170 MILLION IN ORDERS FOR APACHE AH-64E FIRE CONTROL RADAR SYSTEMS

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 18, 2018/PRNewswire/ -- LONGBOW Limited Liability Company (LLC) and the U.S. Army have definitized contracts valued at $170.5 million to provide LONGBOW Fire Control Radar (FCR) hardware for Apache AH-64E helicopters supporting U.S. Army lots 7 and 8 plus three international customers.

LONGBOW LLC is a joint venture of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC).

The contracts include LONGBOW FCR Mast Mounted Assemblies (MMA), Radar Electronics Units (REU) and spares for the U.S. Army, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabiaand Qatar, making Qatar the 13th international customer to receive LONGBOW FCR. Production will extend through April 2021 at Lockheed Martin's Orlando and Ocala, Fla., facilities and at Northrop Grumman's Baltimore, Maryland, facility.

"We remain focused on delivering significant upgrades and products as quickly and efficiently as possible," said Jim Messina, LONGBOW LLC president and director of LONGBOW programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "This contract allows us to supply the U.S. Army fleet with REUs, which is the foundation for future enhancements like extended range, maritime mode and unmanned aerial systems detection."

"The LONGBOW FCR REU continues to provide outstanding capabilities to our customers," said Susan Bruce, LONGBOW LLC vice president and vice president Advanced Tactical Systems, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. "The REU provides growth capabilities to LONGBOW FCR while reducing space, weight and power, along with maintenance cost."

The MMA and REU are key components of the LONGBOW FCR. The LONGBOW FCR automatically searches, detects, locates, classifies and prioritizes multiple moving or stationary targets on land or in the air, in clear or adverse weather, and in obscured battlefields – giving commanders the precision engagement capabilities necessary to win the battle.

Northrop Grumman Expands Moss Point, Mississippi Facility, Announces New Manufacturing Jobs

Announcement builds on 50-year heritage in Gulf Coast region

MOSS POINT, Miss. – June 25, 2018 –Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), joined by Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant and members of Mississippi’s federal and state delegations, officially opened a new operational area of their Moss Point facility today and announced new manufacturing jobs for the region.

Kevin Mitchell, sector vice president, global operations, and Governor Phil Bryant (MS) cut the ribbon on a new operational area for Northrop Grumman’s Moss Point facility alongside Jackson County Board of Supervisors President Randy Bosarge, Moss Point Mayor Mario King, John Murnane, vice president, global operations, Northrop Grumman, State Rep. Jeramey Anderson, and State Senator Michael Watson.

Elected officials joined local employees to cut the ribbon on the new machine shop section that delivers important capabilities at Northrop Grumman’s Moss Point manufacturing center. For more than a decade, Gulf Coast employees have manufactured rotary and fixed wing autonomous systems in Moss Point that support the U.S. and its global allies. Recent facility upgrades have allowed for new work on manned aircraft to come to the site, diversifying the portfolio of work and bringing new jobs to the region.

“Northrop Grumman has expanded our operations in Moss Point and grown our aerospace workforce at the site by more than 40 percent since 2017 through partnerships with the Mississippi Development Authority, the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, the Jackson County Board of Supervisors, and the Jackson County Port Authority,” said Kevin Mitchell, sector vice president, global operations, Northrop Grumman. “We greatly appreciate the strong support from state and local partners and our federal delegation.”

In April 2004, Northrop Grumman broke ground in Moss Point with site construction beginning in 2005. In April 2006, Northrop Grumman contributed to aerospace industry growth in southern Mississippi when the ribbon was cut on the 101,000 square-foot facility. The company celebrated its 10 year anniversary at the site in 2016 and recently extended its lease adjacent to Trent Lott International Airport through 2026.

Last week, Northrop Grumman celebrated another important milestone in the state, with an event recognizing 50 years of supporting military customers and the Mississippi Gulf Coast community in Ocean Springs. Mississippi Lt Gov. Tate Reeves as well as local dignitaries and elected officials were on hand for the event recognizing  Northrop Grumman’s Maritime Systems leadership in designing and developing combat management systems and electronic suites for over 50 ships in four major ship classes.

The Northrop Grumman facility at Ocean Springs, Mississippi, celebrates 50 years of designing and developing combat management systems and electronic suites for domestic and international customers.

“For five decades, Northrop Grumman’s presence in Mississippi has contributed to our worldwide presence and reputation in support of our warfighters and the defense of our nation and its allies,” said Northrop Grumman Ocean Springs Site Manager David Robertson. “I could not be more proud to lead the dedicated professionals at Northrop Grumman Maritime Systems in Ocean Springs.”

Northrop Grumman Opens New Illinois Facility with Ribbon Cutting and Reception

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. – June 19, 2018 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and reception for the opening of its newest facility in Illinois. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, 8th District of Illinois, Congressman Peter Roskam, 6th District of Illinois, Arlington Heights Mayor Thomas W. Hayes and local community leaders were special guests for the celebration.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Congressman Peter Roskam, alongside Northrop Grumman executives and state and local leaders, celebrate the opening of the newest Northrop Grumman facility in Arlington Heights, Ill. (L – R: Ken Crews, vice president business management, land & avionics C4ISR, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems; Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi; Mary Petryszyn, vice president & general manager, land & avionics C4ISR, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems; Congressman Peter Roskam; Arlington Heights Mayor Thomas Hayes; and State Senator Julie Morrison.)

“It’s wonderful to see Northrop Grumman opening this new facility as it will continue creating jobs, bringing new investment to our area, and helping to ensure that our men and women in uniform will have the best technology and equipment available,“ said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. “I’m also heartened by Northrop Grumman’s ongoing commitment to STEM education partnerships, internships, and other programs which strengthen its workforce along with that of our entire region.”

Northrop Grumman’s new facility is 40,000 square feet situated at 1421 West Shure Drive in Arlington Heights. The location will provide additional office space for employees supporting Northrop Grumman’s land and avionics C4ISR division. The building is a concrete symbol of the company’s growing presence in the greater Chicago region.

“I want to congratulate Northrop Grumman on opening a new facility in Arlington Heights that will employ many people in the Sixth District,” said Congressman Peter Roskam. “Their strong ties to the community – promoting STEM education through robotics competitions and scholarships to Space Camp and partnering with community organizations – is an added value to Arlington Heights and I’m pleased that they’ve chosen our state to call home. This new facility paves the way for an increase in innovation while also creating many jobs in the process. I’m looking forward to the positive impact the new facility will have on my constituents, opening up the possibility for great opportunities.”

“Our expanded footprint enables us to better serve our customers in support of national security,” said Mary Petryszyn, vice president and general manager, land and avionics C4ISR, Northrop Grumman. “This investment in our employees and in the local community will also enable a variety of new opportunities.”

The ceremony took place at the new Northrop Grumman facility with remarks by Congressman Krishnamoorthi, Congressman Roskam and Mayor Hayes. The event was attended by other elected officials, members of the community, local partners in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, as well as Northrop Grumman employees.

Northrop Grumman Receives FTC Clearance to Close Acquisition of Orbital ATK and Updates 2018 Financial Guidance

• Combination enhances capabilities, innovation and competition in critical global security domains      

• Orbital ATK to become Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, a new, fourth business sector

• Northrop Grumman now expects 2018 sales of approximately $30 billion, EPS of $16.20 to $16.45 and free cash flow1 of $2.3 to $2.6 billion

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – June 5, 2018 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announced today that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has cleared Northrop Grumman’s proposed acquisition of Orbital ATK Inc. The FTC’s Bureau of Competition has completed its review of the merger, and the Premerger Notification Office has informed the company that the waiting period under the HSR Act has terminated, allowing the companies to complete the merger. As part of that clearance, the FTC issued a decision and order providing for solid rocket motors to be available on a non-discriminatory basis under specified circumstances and under processes defined in the order. The company expects to complete the transaction after market close tomorrow and is issuing the following updated guidance. This updated guidance assumes the completion of the transaction tomorrow.

1 Non-GAAP measure - see definitions at the end of this release.

Updated 2018 Guidance     

2018 financial guidance reflects the company's judgment based on the information available to the company at the time of this release. The government budget and appropriations processes can impact our customers, programs and financial results. Government budgets, appropriations, including the timing of appropriations, and the occurrence of continuing resolutions and government shutdowns can impact the company's ability to achieve 2018 guidance.

Updated 2018 guidance reaffirms Northrop Grumman stand-alone guidance provided on April 25, 2018 and reflects the expected results of Innovation Systems for the remainder of the year. Updated guidance reflects a partial year of acquisition-related purchased intangibles amortization of approximately $175 million; this estimate is subject to the completion of purchase accounting and other post-closing activities. Free cash flow guidance for 2018 also reflects an expected $250 million discretionary pension contribution.