Our Programs
Northrop Grumman is a premier developer, integrator, producer, and supporter of manned and unmanned aircraft, spacecraft, high-energy laser systems, microelectronics, and other systems and subsystems critical to maintaining the nation’s security and leadership in science and technology. These systems are used primarily by government customers in many different mission areas, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; communications; battle management; strike operations; electronic warfare; missile defense; earth observation; space science; and space exploration.
Here are just a few of the many programs and products at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.
James Webb Space Telescope
In 2002, NASA selected Northrop Grumman as prime contractor to develop the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). We will design and build the deployable sunshield, provide the spacecraft and integrate the total system. The system is to be ready for launch in 2014. The James Webb Telescope is a key program in the nation’s vision for space exploration. It will peer into the past to a time when new stars and developing galaxies were first beginning to form. The Webb Telescope’s infrared instruments will measure and capture images of spectra and clusters of galaxies that formed billions of years ago. The Webb Telescope will use unprecedented near- and mid-infrared sensitivity and resolution to discover and study dusty disks around stars and solar systems like our own, analyze the molecular composition of extrasolar planets’ atmospheres, and directly image Jupiter-size planets orbiting nearby stars. In 2009 the program saw completion of several critical design reviews including one for the Optical Telescope Element, a successful core test, primary mirror advancements, and construction of a full-scale simulator.
U.S. Navy Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Unmanned Aircraft System (BAMS UAS)
The BAMS UAS program is based on the RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft, with modifications to meet the demands of the maritime environment, an updated communications suite and a unique set of maritime sensors. The maritime surveillance mission requires sensors with 360-degree field of regard capability. For BAMS UAS, these include a mechanically and electronically scanned array radar, an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver, an electronic surveillance measures (ESM) sensor and an electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) sensor capable of streaming video. In addition, the BAMS UAS mission control system architecture has been recognized by the Navy as a significant advancement in open systems architecture.
The BAMS UAS will serve as a surface surveillance adjunct of the Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness Family of Systems, which includes the P-3 Orion and P-8 Poseidon. At full operational capability, the BAMS UAS program will consist of 68 aircraft, spanning the globe with up to five simultaneous orbits, and expanding maritime domain awareness in support of combatant commanders and naval forces worldwide.
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program
Northrop Grumman is a principal subcontractor on an F-35 industry team led by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Fort Worth, Texas, that is developing, demonstrating and producing three variants of this single-engine, 5th generation fighter: a conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) variant; a short-take off, vertical landing (STOVL) variant and a carrier variant (CV). Northrop Grumman plays a critical role in the development and production of the F-35 weapon system. The company's contributions include: design, production and integration of the center fuselage of the aircraft; providing the fire control radar and electro-optical distributed aperture system, producing key avionics and communications subsystems; developing mission systems and mission-planning software; providing modeling and simulation support; developing pilot and maintenance personnel training courseware; and developing logistical support hardware and software.