SAN DIEGO, Sept. 8, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) will develop an advanced power amplifier unit for the U.S. Army that will increase the range of radios operated by troops on the ground.
This software-defined radio (SDR) power amplifier will be developed under the Midband to Highband Power Amplifier cooperative agreement between Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) and Northrop Grumman's Space Technology sector. Direction for development efforts will come from the Communications-Electronics Research Development & Engineering Center (CERDEC) and requirements for the power amplifier include support for the Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW). WNW is currently under development by the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Cluster 1 program.
The power amplifier must be capable of transmitting wideband data waveforms with significantly increased power output within existing size and weight specifications. These requirements address critical Army communications needs in a network-centric environment.
Northrop Grumman Space Technology is utilizing a high-efficiency design that is expected to offer a five-fold improvement in output power as compared to current wideband power amplifiers in development.
"Our approach leverages our experience and the technologies we developed to solve challenges inherent with the commercial wireless market," said Greg Jones, director of JTRS Programs, Northrop Grumman Space Technology. "This solution is key to delivering real-time, net-centric information to the warfighter."
Northrop Grumman Space Technology has been a pioneer of SDR technology for more than two decades.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense company headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. Northrop Grumman provides technologically advanced, innovative products, services and solutions in systems integration, defense electronics, information technology, advanced aircraft, shipbuilding and space technology. With 125,000 employees, and operations in all 50 states and 25 countries, Northrop Grumman serves U.S. and international military, government and commercial customers.