LINTHICUM, Md., Jun 26, 2012 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation recently demonstrated the ballistic missile detection, tracking and  targeting capabilities of the company's AN/AAQ-37 distributed aperture  system (DAS) and AN/APG-81 active electronically scanned array (AESA)  radar, both of which are featured on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)  aircraft.  A video accompanying this release is available on YouTube at:
 
AN/AAQ-37 DAS detects multiple rocket launches - YouTube
Leveraging NASA's Science Mission Directorate-sponsored Anomalous  Transport Rocket Experiment launch operation, the demonstration was  coordinated with NASA and the U.S. Air Force to ensure that it did not  impact NASA's primary science mission goals. The systems were  demonstrated in flight onboard the company's BAC1-11 testbed aircraft.
Northrop Grumman's DAS and APG-81 autonomously detected, tracked and  targeted multiple, simultaneous ballistic rockets. The DAS autonomously  detected all five rockets, launched in rapid succession, and tracked  them from initial launch well past the second stage burnout.
"Northrop Grumman demonstrated these ballistic missile tracking modes  with only minor modifications to the baseline F-35 JSF radar and DAS  software," said Jeff Leavitt, vice president of Northrop Grumman's  combat avionic systems business unit. "Since DAS is always staring  simultaneously in every direction, an operator does not have to point  the sensor in the direction of a target to gain a track. The F-35 pilot  could continue the primary mission while the sensors automatically  observe ballistic missile threats."
                                   
The APG-81 AESA radar demonstrated the ability to provide acquisition  and weapons quality tracks independently, and also via pointing cues  from DAS for expedited and extended range target acquisition. The radar  maintained each track from initial acquisition until the rocket exited  the radar's field of view.
                                   
Leavitt added that Northrop Grumman is currently exploring how the  existing DAS technology could assist in several additional mission  areas, including irregular warfare operations.
                                   
The multifunction AN/APG-81 AESA radar is capable of the full range of  air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities complemented by significant  electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance  functions. The AN/AAQ-37 DAS provides passive spherical awareness for  the F-35, simultaneously detecting and tracking aircraft and missiles in  every direction, and providing visual imagery for day/night navigation  and targeting purposes.
                                   
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing  innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics,  information systems, and technical services to government and commercial  customers worldwide. Please visit   
Northrop Grumman Corporation - The Value of Performance     for more information.                                   
                                     
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                                     SOURCE: Northrop Grumman Corp.                                   
                                          CONTACT: Alleace Gibbs         (410) 765-1294         
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