ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Jan. 12, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Robert L. Del Boca, sector vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Defensive Systems Division, has been awarded the 2006 Combat Survivability Award for Leadership by the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA).
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The award recognizes an individual with outstanding leadership contributions to combat survivability. Del Boca's contribution was recognized for the protection of aircraft from heat seeking infrared missiles, which target aircraft engines.
Del Boca was selected for his focus on the development and transition of the Northrop Grumman Viper(tm) solid state, multi-band, infrared countermeasures (IRCM) laser. This ground-breaking development allowed the spiral transition of the AN/AAQ-24(V) Directional Infrared Countermeasures system (DIRCM) from an initial arc lamp driven system, to the first multi-band laser-powered DIRCM system deployed operationally. The incorporation of the Viper(tm) laser significantly increased the jamming power of the system while decreasing weight and power consumption, allowing it to meet the demanding weight requirements of rotor-wing aircraft while producing the jamming output required to protect large, multi-engine aircraft.
Utilizing his extensive experience and leadership talents, Dr. Del Boca also worked to quickly select and direct a Northrop Grumman team to respond to the U.S. Special Operations Command's (USSOCOM) urgent operational request for DIRCM protection on their MH-53 aircraft. In only 62 days, Dr. Del Boca's team completed the installation design, system installation, flights tests and system delivery to USSCOM. His extensive contributions have led to the protection of numerous United Kingdom and United States allied coalition forces.
In addition, Dr. Del Boca organized a program and established a team at Northrop Grumman to develop Guardian(tm), the first commercial infrared countermeasures system to be granted a Federal Aviation Administration Supplemental Type Certificate for use on commercial aircraft. The system will provide a high level of protection against heat seeking missiles.
"Bob Del Boca's vision and leadership have played a significant role in the success of these laser-based IRCM systems," said Roland Marquis, NDIA Combat Survivability Division Executive Board member. "The innovations developed through his leadership have saved countless lives and hold the promises of continued protections for the foreseeable future."
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $30 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.
