Northrop Grumman’s IBCS Ready for Fielding, Connecting the Battlespace

Rhea-AI Summary

Northrop Grumman's Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) has successfully completed its final Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E), a crucial step towards full-rate production. This extensive assessment demonstrated IBCS's capability to effectively manage and respond to various battlefield threats, enhancing decision-making for U.S. Army personnel. The modular and scalable design of IBCS supports the integration of diverse systems, further extending the operational reach. Once deployed, IBCS aims to significantly improve battlefield awareness and responsiveness.

Positive

• Successful completion of final IOT&E, paving the way for full-rate production.
• Demonstrated ability to detect and track advanced threats during tests.
• Modular and scalable architecture enhances integration of various systems.

Negative

• None.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) completed the final, demanding assessment, during its recent Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E). Completion of IOT&E is the last major test event before the U.S. Army makes the decision to move the program from low rate initial production to full rate production, allowing IBCS to be fielded around the world.

Beginning in January, at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), New Mexico, IBCS began a series of operational flight tests. Throughout the 10-month period, soldiers operated IBCS in complex test environments encompassing a broad spectrum of attack and defense scenarios under realistic operating conditions, stressing the system as never before, and under intense scrutiny by U.S. Army independent evaluators.

“Throughout IOT&E, we’ve shown how IBCS enables the warfighter to make more informed and faster decisions,” said Christine Harbison, vice president and general manager, combat systems and mission readiness, Northrop Grumman. “IBCS is ready for today’s threats and those of the future, making Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) a reality.”

Across two IO&TE flight tests at WSMR, IBCS detected, tracked, and intercept threats that included: a high speed, high performance tactical ballistic missile and two cruise missile surrogates during a stressing electronic attack.

Once fielded, IBCS will extend the battlespace beyond what a single sensor tied to a single effector can provide, allowing the use of a sensor or effector’s full range and enabling the warfighter to quickly see and act on data across the entire battlefield.

Northrop Grumman designed IBCS with a modular, open, and scalable system architecture that is foundational to integrating all available assets in the battlespace, regardless of source, service, or domain. Its architecture enables the efficient and affordable integration of current and future systems and extends the battlespace by disaggregating sensors and effectors. Through numerous successful tests and demonstrations, IBCS has validated the ability to connect and fuse multi-service sensor data to multi-service weapons, demonstrating JADC2 capabilities.

Northrop Grumman is a technology company, focused on global security and human discovery. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with capabilities they need to connect, advance and protect the U.S. and its allies. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our 90,000 employees define possible every day.

Inside the Integrated Battle Command System operations center at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. [Source: U.S. Army]

Contact:

Meaghan Cox 256-788-4977 (mobile) meaghan.cox@ngc.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3058d47b-1bad-406b-8d1d-54bdf5c90f1e

FAQ

What recent tests did Northrop Grumman's IBCS complete?

Northrop Grumman's Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) completed its final Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E), marking a key milestone for the program.

What capabilities did IBCS demonstrate during the tests?

During the IOT&E, IBCS successfully detected, tracked, and managed threats including tactical ballistic and cruise missiles.

How does IBCS enhance battlefield operations?

IBCS enables faster and more informed decision-making for warfighters by extending operational reach and integrating various battlefield systems.

What is the significance of IBCS for the U.S. Army?

IBCS's successful tests are pivotal for transitioning the program from low-rate initial production to full-rate production, enhancing U.S. Army capabilities.

What is the expected timeline for IBCS deployment?

With the completion of IOT&E, IBCS is on track for deployment following a decision by the U.S. Army to move to full-rate production.