ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Sept. 11, 2000 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Electronic Sensors and Systems Sector (ES3) and Indigo Systems Corporation have announced a strategic alliance for the purpose of developing an advanced infrared detector fabrication capability.
The Defensive Systems Division of ES3 will provide the capital and engineering assistance required to establish production capabilities at the new Indigo Detector Operations (IDO) facility in Goleta, Calif. Indigo brings to the partnership an extensive mixed-signal read-out integrated circuit and detector expertise, a world-class facility and experienced staff and management.
"We firmly believe that this strategic alliance will afford both Northrop Grumman and Indigo Systems with opportunities to advance technologies in the area of infrared detectors at a greater rate," said Bill Brackney, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman's Defensive Systems Division in Rolling Meadows, Ill. "We are looking forward to a long and successful alliance."
The IDO facility will manufacture infrared detectors and imaging modules that will be incorporated into several Northrop Grumman electronic products. These will include targeting and navigation systems and infrared countermeasures systems.
Additionally, Indigo will use IDO detectors and modules in its existing line of commercial, high-performance, infrared camera products including PHOENIX, MERLIN and ALPHA.
"This strategic alliance with Northrop Grumman and the creation of the IDO will enable Indigo to rapidly expand our commercial product offerings into exciting new volume markets including optical telecommunications and automotive imaging," said Dr. Tim Fitzgibbons, president and chief executive officer of Indigo Systems.
Indigo Systems Corporation is a premier developer and supplier of advanced electro-optic components, cameras and systems covering the spectrum from .9 to 14 microns. Formed in 1996, Indigo currently employs 84 people and is located in Santa Barbara, Calif.
Northrop Grumman ES3, headquartered in Baltimore, Md., is a world leader in the design, development, and manufacture of defense electronics and systems, precision weapons, airspace management systems, space systems, marine systems, logistics systems, and automation and information systems.
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