ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., July 19, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The U.S. Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command have expanded their operational capabilities through the advanced targeting systems offered by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC).
The Air National Guard will soon receive 13 new LITENING Advanced Targeting (AT) systems, and the Air Force Reserve Command will receive 10. They will join the U.S. Marine Corps in operating this most advanced version of Northrop Grumman's combat-proven LITENING system.
LITENING AT is a self-contained, multisensor laser target designating and navigation system that enables fighter pilots to detect and track ground targets and accurately deliver both laser and global positioning system-guided weapons.
"LITENING has proven in combat to be the most capable and reliable, yet cost effective, precision targeting system available today, and the AT configuration represents the next advancement in precision targeting capabilities for our warfighters," said Mike Lennon, vice president of Targeting and Surveillance Programs at Northrop Grumman's Defensive Systems Division.
Over the last decade, Northrop Grumman has pioneered such advanced targeting technologies as precisely aligned and stable multiple sensors; coordinated air-to-ground and air-to-air operations capabilities through laser spot search and track and laser markers; J-series weapons employment capabilities; and data links for battlefield situational awareness. LITENING's modular design provides true two-level maintenance, and unsurpassed operational availability.
All of these advanced technologies were combat proven by LITENING during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, with over 177,000 total flight hours since initial fielding, including 50,000 combat hours, on AV-8B, A-10, B-52, F-15E and F-16 aircraft, while maintaining unmatched system reliability of nearly 400 hours under forward-basing and afloat conditions. LITENING AT capabilities include advanced image processors and algorithms for detection and tracking of targets at ranges more than four times that of first generation pods; multitarget cueing for battlefield situational awareness during close air support and other missions; enhanced target coordinate generation to optimize weapon delivery; extended air-to-air capabilities; and the ability to employ a dual-band laser and a variety of sophisticated data links.
The U. S. Air Force Materiel Command's System Program Office, which supports multi-service/multinational targeting requirements, manages the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command and Marine Corps efforts. The Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command LITENING AT orders total $27 million.
Based in Rolling Meadows, Ill., Northrop Grumman's Defensive Systems Division designs, develops and manufactures radio frequency and electro-optic/infrared products that protect military aircraft, ships, satellites and ground vehicles from attack by modern weapons; provide tactical aircraft with 24-hour targeting and navigation capabilities; ensure high-value, complex, electronic and electro-optical weapons systems are mission ready; and evaluate defense electronic performance in complex environments.
The division is a component of Northrop Grumman's Baltimore-based Electronic Systems sector, a world leader in the design, development, and manufacture of defense and commercial electronic systems, including airborne radar, navigation systems, electronic countermeasures, precision weapons, airspace management systems, communications systems, space sensors, marine and naval systems, government systems, and logistic services.
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