APOPKA, Fla., Dec. 11, 2002 -- The U.S. Air Force has chosen to equip its Tactical Air Control Party personnel with the latest in handheld laser targeting technology -- the Mark VII eyesafe laser target locator produced by Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Defensive Systems Division here.
The Air Force awarded a follow-on contract worth $12.9 million to Northrop Grumman for 290 Mark VII laser target locator systems. This latest contract is expected to run through June 2004. Delivery is nearly complete for a previous Air Force order for 186 Mark VII units.
"This follow-on order solidifies the Mark VII's status as the target location technology of choice for day and night operations by forward observers, air controllers and long-range reconnaissance patrols," said Bob Del Boca, vice president, Infrared Countermeasures and Laser Systems, at Northrop Grumman's Defensive Systems Division. "The contract also demonstrates the confidence our customers have in the targeting capabilities provided by the Mark VII system."
The Mark VII is a lightweight, handheld target location system with an eyesafe laser rangefinder and switchable direct view and image intensifier capability. The system also features an imbedded digital magnetic compass that provides range, azimuth and elevation digital data output for accurate target location determination. Mark VII units are currently deployed by the U.S. military and the armed forces of Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the Czech Republic.
The Mark VII system is produced by Northrop Grumman's Laser Systems business unit in Apopka, Fla., one of the world's leading manufacturers of military laser systems. These include ground-based (vehicle mounted and handheld) laser rangefinders for target location (both eyesafe and non-eyesafe), laser designators/markers for precise guidance of smart munitions, and airborne laser rangefinders and designators fielded onboard many of the world's most sophisticated fighter aircraft.
The Defensive Systems Division is a component of Northrop Grumman's Baltimore, Md.-based Electronic Systems sector, a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of defense and commercial electronic systems including airborne radar systems, navigation systems, electronic warfare systems, precision weapons, airspace management systems, air defense systems, communications systems, space systems, marine systems, oceanic and naval systems, logistics systems, and government systems.
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