LINTHICUM, Md., Oct. 18, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has selected Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) to develop and demonstrate an innovative new scalable suite of electronic warfare, information operations and line-of-sight communications on naval surface platforms.
Building off of ONR's past effort with the advanced multi-function RF concept and the multi-function electronic warfare system, the Integrated Topside (InTop) program will optimize the use of open architecture, moving the Navy toward its plan for information dominance, while making upgrades to improve system cost effectiveness and reduce obsolescence. InTop will reduce the number of multiple topside apertures that are in use today. The new system will increase communications bandwidth, and help resolve electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility issues currently caused by the large number of antennas on current ships.
"Northrop Grumman has been a long-term partner with ONR on developing innovative solutions for the warfighter and InTop represents the future of naval capabilities when it comes to shipboard protection," said Steve McCoy, vice president of the Advanced Concepts business unit for Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector.
"ONR has implemented a plan to leverage state-of-the-art foundation technologies towards multi-function systems that provide warfighters with affordable and effective technologies, supporting multiple platform installations. InTop is a game changer for the Navy. It is intended to improve ship survivability by providing counter measures to anti-ship missiles more effectively, making this a critical asset to the warfighter," McCoy added.
The initial contract value is $18 million, with a total estimated value of $109 million over the next four years, if all contract options are exercised.
Northrop Grumman is serving as prime contractor with key support being provided by teammate ITT Corporation (NYSE:ITT). Work on the program will be performed at Northrop Grumman's engineering and manufacturing center in Linthicum, Md., and ITT's Radar, Reconnaissance and Acoustic Systems division in Van Nuys, Calif.
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. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.