Northrop Grumman Integrating, Fielding Counter-Mortar Capability

Northrop Grumman , HUNTSVILLE: The U.S. Army has selected Northrop Grumman Corporation as the prime contractor for the Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar (C-RAM) Integration and Fielding contract. C-RAM will help protect U.S. and coalition troops against mortars and rockets fired by insurgents. 
 
Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems sector is developing a systems architecture and integrating the C-RAM target acquisition, fire control, warning and engagement subsystems. Under a $38 million contract, Northrop Grumman will first deploy a mortar-attack warning capability and install that capability at eight forward operating bases in Iraq. 
 
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems will also train soldiers to use the system and integrate an intercept subsystem as it is fielded. 
 
The contract is managed by the Director, Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar in the Army's Program Executive Office, Command Control and Communications Tactical. 
 
C-RAM uses target acquisition sensors, including Firefinder and Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar, to detect and track fired rounds. The AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder radar system is produced by Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector. 
 
Once a threat is detected, audio and visual alarms sound to warn exposed soldiers. A fire-control subsystem predicts the mortar's flight path, prioritizes targets, activates the warning system, and provides cueing data to defeat the mortar round while still in the air.