RESTON, Va., Sept. 6, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is enhancing the detection and assessment capabilities of a tactical security system that helps protect U.S. military troops and assets at forward operating bases.
The U.S. Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems sector a contract to continue developing the Tactical Automated Security System (TASS). The contract includes upgrades to assessment, communication and command-and-control sub-systems. Version 6 of the field-proven command-and-control software will significantly strengthen security for deployed warfighters and provide the foundation for comprehensive integrated security applications to U.S. military installations worldwide.
This enhanced TASS is an advanced open-systems command-and-control platform incorporated with standoff and perimeter-detection technology, immediate visual assessment, command-and-control display equipment and supporting power and communications infrastructures. These elements are enhanced through the integration of a wide array of detection and assessment technologies, including ground-surveillance radars, fiber-optic sensors, thermal imagers and closed-circuit television cameras.
"This next generation of enhanced TASS will connect a wider range of sensors and assessment devices into a more tightly integrated security framework," said Dan Verwiel, director of the integrated security solutions business area within the company's Mission Systems sector. "One significant new function will immediately display the launching of rockets, artillery and mortars and provide a location-specific warning based on an artillery round's predicted point of impact. This ability to rapidly assess and respond will save lives."
This 21-month, $3.2 million award was made via the Integrated Base Defense Security Systems contract, an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract awarded to Northrop Grumman in August 2003 by the U.S. Air Force Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. The contract is managed by the Force Protection Systems Squadron and is a multiple-award acquisition vehicle for meeting installation-security requirements worldwide.
TASS is a rapidly deployable, integrated security system that is able to be relocated and is designed for a variety of force-protection missions.
Northrop Grumman personnel have provided security services in Southwest Asia since 1997, installing systems at more than 40 sites to date. Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems sector has surveyed sites, installed systems and provided support services to help protect military personnel in the U.S. Central Command Air Forces (CENTAF) area of responsibility.
In addition to supporting CENTAF, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems has developed and deployed fixed and relocatable security systems at military and federal installations in more than 18 countries.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, based in Reston, Va., is a global integrator of complex, mission-enabling systems and services for defense, intelligence and civil government markets. The sector's technology leadership and expertise spans areas such as strategic systems, including ICBMs; missile defense; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; command and control; technical services; and training.