EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Dec. 17, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today submitted a proposal with L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL) for the U.S. Navy's EP-X aircraft program in a world-class collaboration of industry leaders. The EP-X platform will provide a transformational, multi-intelligence capability delivering strike targeting information to the warfighter.
The Navy envisions EP-X as a shore-based, manned aircraft providing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting (ISR&T) support to carrier strike groups and theater, combatant and national commanders. The EP-X would assume the role of the Navy's EP-3E aircraft and provide greatly expanded capabilities.
The proposal was submitted in response to a Navy broad agency announcement (BAA) issued in November that solicited bids to develop an EP-X preferred system concept and analyze the risks and requirements. L-3 will serve as the principal subcontractor to Northrop Grumman.
"Northrop Grumman and L-3 combine unmatched expertise in battle management, airborne ISR&T and the development of special mission aircraft," said Pat McMahon, vice president of Information Operations and Electronic Attack for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector. "We look forward to demonstrating our capabilities to meet the Navy's critical need for an expanded ISR&T capability in a smaller, more networked force."
Northrop Grumman has developed numerous mission systems solutions for a variety of needs in ISR&T and battle management command and control. In particular, Northrop Grumman brings decades of experience in naval aviation systems integration with systems such as the E-2 Hawkeye and EA-6B Prowler.
L-3 brings systems integration experience on a number of ISR&T aircraft, particularly as prime contractor for the EP-3E, the proven system the EP-X will replace.
"L-3's success as a customer-focused ISR&T systems integrator is rooted in our customer responsiveness and the ability to meet mission requirements with technically innovative, platform-independent solutions," said Mike Holmes, vice president of Federal Programs for L-3's Integrated Systems subsidiary.
L-3 Integrated Systems is the industry's leading non-OEM aircraft integrator, serving major ISR&T fleets for the U.S. and its allies for more than 50 years. Major programs/fleets include the EP-3E, RC-135 and EC-130, as well as programs for the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea.
In addition to their legacy with Navy systems, Northrop Grumman and L-3 Communications have extensive experience with U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army systems, which will enable them to provide joint service capabilities in their EP-X solution.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs over 63,000 people worldwide and is a prime system contractor in aircraft modernization and maintenance, C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of high technology products, systems and subsystems. The company reported 2006 sales of $12.5 billion. To learn more about L-3, please visit the company's web site at www.L-3Com.com.
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.