BALTIMORE, Oct. 6, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Army Robotics and Unmanned Systems program office continues to validate Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) progress on the critical technologies necessary for delivery of the first, fully qualified STARLite(tm) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)/Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI) sensor system.
The STARLite(tm) radar features an electronically-scanned array design that provides the optimum balance of operational and cost effectiveness by blending electronic scanning with mechanical array positioning. Based on numerous internal and contracted research programs, the technology maturity and extensive use of commercially supported electronics provide a high performance, cost effective solution to the SAR and GMTI requirements of light and medium UASs and rotocraft.
"We remain confident that Northrop Grumman will meet the Army's KPP performance," said U.S. Army LTC. Terrance Howard, product manager for STARLite(tm). "Our focus has been on the technical issues associated with transition to production. Northrop Grumman successfully demonstrated the STARLite System as part of the Army source selection process. Schedule is paramount in providing a usable product to the warfighter in a timely manner. We are pleased that Northrop Grumman is placing special emphasis in the areas of supplier management, qualification testing and production transition."
"We are committed to an aggressive schedule to ensure on-time deliveries of much needed STARLite(tm) radars in support of the Warfighter," said Dave Shrum, vice president of Weapons and Sensors for Northrop Grumman's Land Forces Division. "STARLite(tm) will provide precision ground maps and indications of moving targets vital to surveillance and protection of forces on the ground."
Northrop Grumman was awarded a $47 million contract from the Army in April 2008 to manufacture the new STARLite(tm) radar sensor following an extensive competition, which included flight demonstrations. First unit qualifications are set to begin early next year, with delivery of the first of 15 production units expected in June 2009. STARLite(tm) is also a Future Combat Systems complementary program.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a 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.