BALTIMORE, May 25, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has delivered a next-generation variant of the active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire-control radar for the U.S. Air Force's F/A-22 Raptor air dominance fighter. The new radar will undergo aircraft integration testing this summer at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
Designated AN/APG-77(V)1, the radar variant will enable air-to-ground capability provided by a new software suite that is being developed under a separate modernization program. The company has captured advances made in AESA design for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the Block 60 F-16 aircraft and incorporated them back into the APG-77. In addition, the (V)1 is more affordable than the current version, in part because the production line relies on a greater degree of automation.
"The (V)1's first flight on an F/A-22 will mark a key milestone for the combined Air Force/industry team," said John C. Johnson, vice president of Combat Avionic Systems at Northrop Grumman. "It paves the way for the integration of the new software suite, which will allow Raptor pilots to perform electronic warfare missions as well as attack fixed and moving targets on the ground in all-weather, day/night conditions."
Johnson added that software development for the radar continues on schedule, with over a year of integration work completed both in the laboratory and on flying testbed aircraft.
Northrop Grumman produces the radar under contract to The Boeing Company's (NYSE:BA) Integrated Defense Systems unit, which has responsibility for integrating the avionic systems for the F/A-22 program, which is led by Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) Aeronautics Co. Raytheon Systems (NYSE:RTN), is a joint-venture partner on the radar program, which is led by Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector.
Northrop Grumman's Baltimore-based Electronic Systems sector is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of defense and commercial electronic systems and sensors, including airborne radar, navigation systems, electronic countermeasures, precision weapons, airspace management systems, communications systems, space sensors, marine and naval systems, government systems and logistics services.