Thu, Jul 17, 2003
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."
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