BALTIMORE, June 10, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has contracted with the Organization for Applied Scientific Research, Physics and Electronics Laboratory (TNO-FEL) of the Netherlands to provide signal-conditioning algorithms for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's electro-optical distributed aperture system (EO DAS).
The company's Electronic Systems sector, teamed with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, is developing the EO DAS under contract to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company. The DAS provides the pilot with a unique protective sphere of situational awareness, substantially improving the F-35's missile warning, aircraft warning, day/night pilot vision and fire control capabilities. TNO-FEL will contribute algorithms that enhance the clarity of the infrared DAS image before it is fed to the pilot's helmet-mounted display.
"We are very fortunate to have TNO-FEL's world-class algorithm development team joining the EO DAS program," said Rick Ross, JSF DAS program manager at Northrop Grumman. "Their efforts will dramatically increase the acuity of the EO DAS sensor suite, enhancing the resolution, range and survivability of the system."
Ron Opdenberg, commercial manager for aerospace at TNO-FEL, added, "TNO is proud to contribute relevant technology to the program. This contract represents a significant phase in our ongoing allegiance to JSF."
"Northrop Grumman's selection of TNO-FEL demonstrates F-35 commitment to international participation with our partner countries," said Mike Cosentino, director of Joint Strike Fighter International Programs at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "This commitment is crucial as F-35 development activities continue."
A representative of the Netherlands embassy remarked that this contract is significant for the technological institute TNO and for the Dutch aerospace community in general, providing a valuable contribution to the JSF program.
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is a stealthy, supersonic, multirole fighter designed to replace a wide range of aging fighter and strike aircraft. Three variants derived from a common design will ensure that the F-35 meets the performance needs of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied defense forces worldwide, while adhering to strict affordability targets.
Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 in collaboration with its principal partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. In addition to the EO DAS, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems is developing the active electronically scanned array fire control radar for the aircraft. The sector is also helping to develop the electro-optical targeting system as part of a joint venture led by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
The F-35 team includes Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector, which has responsibility for the center fuselage section, and the company's Space Technology sector, which is developing the communications, navigation, and identification avionics suite. Northrop Grumman Information Technology provides system and software engineering support for the mission planning system.
Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector, headquartered in Baltimore, Md., is a world leader in the design, development, and manufacture of defense and commercial electronics systems, including airborne radar systems, navigation systems, electronic warfare systems, precision weapons, airspace management systems, air defense systems, communications systems, space systems, marine systems, oceanic and naval systems, government systems, and logistic services.
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