RESTON, Va., Feb. 16, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Neil G. Siegel, a Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) vice president and chief engineer, has been elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional honors accorded to engineers. The honor recognizes Siegel's "development and implementation of the digital battlefield, an integral part of U.S. Army operations."
Digital battlefield technology has been widely acknowledged as highly effective in combat operations, and an important element of U.S. Department of Defense transformation. Digitizing the battlefield involves the use of secure tactical communications, computers, and advanced information technology to improve the effectiveness of combined-arms land-combat forces.
In Iraq and Afghanistan, digital battlefield technology allowed joint and coalition forces to conduct decisive combat operations over unprecedented distances and speeds. In particular, the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) / Blue Force Tracking system gave troops precise, near-real-time information about friendly (blue) forces, enemy forces, orders, and intelligence, thereby enhancing maneuverability and battle command, and helping to avert friendly fire.
Siegel was the program manager for battlefield digitization efforts when Northrop Grumman was awarded the FBCB2 development contract in January 1995, and had direct responsibility for the program until 2001.
While best known for his work as program manager for the Army's digital battlefield / Force XXI Battle Command Brigade-and-Below / Blue-Force Tracking program, Siegel also has made important contributions to automated command posts, air defense, and many other sensing and defensive systems, and notable improvements in the development of large-scale, real-time software systems. He had executive responsibility for the maturation of the Army's Hunter UAV into an effective combat system.
Siegel is currently the vice president of technology, and chief engineer of command, control and communications for Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems sector. He had held numerous other executive-level positions within the company.
Siegel will be formally inaugurated as a member of the National Academy of Engineering at the October 2005 induction ceremony.
The National Academy of Engineering (www.nae.edu) is a private, nonprofit institution that provides leadership and guidance to the nation on the application of engineering resources to vital issues. Established in 1964, NAE operates under the congressional charter granted to the National Academy of Sciences in 1863.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense company headquartered in Los Angeles. Northrop Grumman provides technologically advanced, innovative products, services and solutions in systems integration, defense electronics, information technology, advanced aircraft, shipbuilding and space technology. With more than 125,000 employees, and operations in all 50 states and 25 countries, Northrop Grumman serves U.S. and international military, government and commercial customers.