Northrop Grumman Selected to Provide Precision Pointing Concept for U.S. Army
Far Target Location Improvement Program
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Nov. 2, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman
Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) milli-Hemispherical Resonator Gyroscope (mHRG)-based
precision pointing concept has been selected by the U.S. Army Night Vision and
Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) for exploration under the Far Target
Location Improvement Program Broad Agency Announcement.
Under this contract, Northrop Grumman will develop a lightweight, low-power
precision pointing technology demonstrator providing improved target accuracy
and performance over currently fielded Far Target Locators. Precision target
location reduces collateral damage in the field by improving the accuracy of
munitions delivery.
At the heart of the precision pointing concept is the mHRG, derived from the
proven, highly reliable Hemispheric Resonator Gyroscope, which has operated over
13 million hours in space without any mission failures. The mHRG is a small,
high performance, low-power sensor that will enable the precision pointing
system to be 10 to 20 times more accurate than existing systems.
"The ability to generate highly accurate target coordinates provides warfighters
not only with the improved tools they need but also helps to ensure the safety
and protect the lives of both soldiers and civilians," said Charles Volk, vice
president and chief technology officer of Northrop Grumman's Navigation Systems
Division.
Northrop Grumman was awarded a research and development contract for preliminary
design, analysis, and modeling of the mHRG and its system implementation. The
second phase of the program will include the development, fabrication, test, and
delivery of two technology demonstrator precision pointing units.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000
employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace,
electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to
government and commercial customers worldwide.
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CONTACT: Gina Piellusch
Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems
(818) 715-2285
gina.piellusch@ngc.com
