On Wednesday, Northrop Grumman Corporation's Integrated Systems sector announced the addition of Lockheed Martin to its joint unmanned combat air system (J-UCAS) team. The two companies will work together to design, develop and produce an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) system that can satisfy the operational requirements of both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force.

Northrop Grumman will produce two full-scale X-47B UCAV demonstrators for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under phase IIB of the naval UCAV technology demonstration program. [X-47A shown below]

The new UAVs will demonstrate the technical and operational feasibility of using a UAV system to conduct surveillance, strike and suppression of enemy air defenses missions from an aircraft carrier. The UAVs will also address Air Force objectives.

On October 1, the Department of Defense plans to stand up a Joint Systems Management Office led by DARPA to manage the new J-UCAS program. The joint office will focus on planning and executing a demonstration program that supports both Air Force and Navy emerging requirements.

"The combination of Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin creates a world-class team that will provide the best-value J-UCAS solution to the U.S. government," said Scott Winship, Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems' J-UCAS program director. "Together, we offer unsurpassed capabilities in systems integration and innovative stealth design. Our team also brings extensive experience with integrating systems into the Navy's battle command network."

The two companies will use their shared experience on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, added Winship, to leverage DARPA's investments in the Joint UCAS development creating a combat UAV system that will meet the needs of both the Navy and Air Force.

"Lockheed Martin welcomes the opportunity to work once again with Northrop Grumman, our partner on the F-35 program," said Frank Alvidrez, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics' J-UCAS program manager. "DARPA, the Navy and the Air Force will benefit from our complementary strengths and depth in bringing system-of-systems solutions to support the capability goals by our customer."

FMI: www.northropgrumman.com; www.lockheedmartin.com