Northrop Grumman Corporation has received a contract award from Lockheed Martin Corporation to enable new functionality to protect the 35th generation F-5 Lightning II multirole fighter.
As part of a collaboration agreement between Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin, the three companies will integrate Northrop Grumman's Integrated Communications, Navigation and Identification (ICNI) AN/ASQ-242 and Electronic Warfare AN/ASQ-239 from BAE Systems. (EW/CM) system for optimal operational utility.
“This arrangement allows us to collectively provide enhanced capabilities without compromising the size, weight or power of the aircraft,” said Howard Lurie, vice president of F-35 programs for Northrop Grumman. "We are proud to be the premier partner of the F-35 team, providing our American and allied fighters with superior combat effectiveness."
Northrop Grumman's ICNI system provides F-35 pilots with more than 27 fully integrated operational functions. Using its industry-leading software-defined radio technology, Northrop Grumman's design allows for the simultaneous operation of multiple critical functions, while significantly reducing the size, weight and power demands on the advanced F-35 fighter. These functions include Identifying Friend or Foe (IFF), automatic fly-to point acquisition, and various voice and data communications such as the Multi-Function Advanced Data Link (MADL).
BAE Systems' AN/ASQ-239 system is a proven, advanced electronic warfare suite that provides fully integrated radar warning, targeting and self-protection to detect and defeat threats and allow the F-35 to reach well-protected targets.
"As Lockheed Martin's electronic warfare integrator for all F-35 aircraft, we are committed to equipping our customers with advanced capabilities that help them accomplish their missions," said Deborah Norton, vice president of F-35 Solutions at BAE Systems. “Under this collaborative agreement, we will work closely with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to enhance the capability of our fully integrated EW system – increasing pilots' situational awareness and helping them to evade, engage and defeat modern threats.”
Fault- Northrop Grumman
