HOLLYWOOD, Md., Sept. 14, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has released a new software product called RainStorm that will locate and pinpoint targets for precision-guided munitions with unprecedented speed and accuracy. RainStorm is used on the personal computers and UNIX systems in command and control centers and networks worldwide and is the follow-on to RainDrop, which is currently the most widely used precise positioning system in the Department of Defense.
RainStorm is currently available for purchase by U.S. military forces.
"We continue to invest internal research and development funds to meet our warfighters' urgent operational requirements for time-sensitive targeting," said Lawrence Schadegg, leader of Northrop Grumman's decision support and targeting integrated product team leader in Hollywood. "RainStorm provides a link between intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and precision engagement, a link that will allow interoperability between all of the Defense Department services for precision targeting."
The RainStorm Advanced Precision Targeting System manipulates and exploits high-resolution imagery from multiple sources to support a wide variety of precision engagement requirements, including time-sensitive targeting. Targeteers and imagery analysts can use the tool to rapidly locate targets and minimize collateral damage effects. The product generates the highly accurate 3D coordinates required by precision-guided munitions to strike difficult targets. It also fulfills the global positioning system accuracy requirements for ground troop support.
Produced by Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector, RainStorm utilizes web services that allow multiple RainStorm workstations and clients to be linked in a global network. "We expect the demand for precision coordinate generation to grow significantly in the future," said Schadegg. "With RainStorm we can meet that demand today."
RainStorm will be on display at Northrop Grumman's booth (Hall C, Booth 3709) at this year's Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition. The conference and trade show runs from Sept 13-15 at the Marriott Wardman Park hotel in Washington, DC.
Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems is a premier aerospace and defense systems integration organization. Headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., it designs, develops, produces and supports integrated systems and subsystems optimized for use on networks. For its government and civil customers worldwide, Integrated Systems delivers best-value solutions, products and services that support military and homeland defense missions in the areas of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; space access; battle management command and control; and integrated strike warfare.