Northrop Grumman Successfully Identifies Modern Threats During Advanced Missile Flight Test

Rhea-AI Summary

Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) has successfully completed the third captive flight test of its prototype missile development series, aimed at enhancing capabilities for targeting enemy air defense systems. Conducted at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, the test validated the missile’s ability to identify and track targets during flight maneuvers. The design incorporates advanced features for rapid upgrades to counter evolving threats, building on existing work with the U.S. Navy's AGM-88G AARGM-ER program. Live fire testing is expected to commence later this year, with additional flight tests planned.

Positive

• Successful third captive flight test of missile prototype, enhancing targeting capabilities.
• Validated missile's ability to identify and track targets during flight maneuvers.
• Design allows for rapid subsystem upgrades to counter evolving threats.
• In-house digital engineering expertise accelerates development and readiness for live fire testing.

Negative

• None.

LOS ANGELES, July 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) successfully completed the third captive flight test of its prototype missile development series. The internally funded air-launched missile demonstrates capabilities relevant for multiple services, missions and platforms.

Completed at the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, the internally funded test successfully validated the capability to identify and discriminate modern, integrated air defense systems and successfully tracked the intended targets during a series of captive flight maneuvers using the company’s test aircraft.

The missile is designed to target enemy air defense systems while providing forces the freedom of maneuver to complete a mission out of harm’s way. The design leverages the company’s existing work under the U.S. Navy’s AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER), including engineering manufacturing and development, low-rate initial production and integration work for F-35 aircraft. To adapt to ever-changing threats, the missile design features open architecture interfaces that will allow for rapid subsystem upgrades to field enhanced capabilities to the warfighter.

“By merging our weapons expertise and internal investments with our digital engineering proficiency, we are rapidly delivering advanced missile capabilities,” said Mary Petrysyzn, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Defense Systems. “This formula supports our strategy to design, test and deliver technologically advanced capabilities ahead of schedule.”

By harnessing in-house digital engineering expertise from across the company, including established programs with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army and NASA, Northrop Grumman is accelerating development and build of its internally funded missile solution, and will be ready to begin live fire testing during 2022.

The company is planning additional flight tests this year in more stressing scenarios that are relevant to all programs leveraging the AARGM-ER program.

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. 

Contact:	Nancy Stoehr-Campbell
	818-887-8471 (office)
	818-854-0935 (mobile)
	nancy.stoehr-campbell@ngc.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/269645eb-8b84-4228-8795-c1e3ae930569

FAQ

What is the recent missile flight test by Northrop Grumman (NOC)?

Northrop Grumman successfully completed its third captive flight test of a missile prototype designed to target enemy air defense systems.

When did Northrop Grumman (NOC) conduct the latest missile flight test?

The latest missile flight test was completed on July 25, 2022.

What are the capabilities tested in Northrop Grumman's (NOC) missile development?

The test validated the missile's ability to identify and track modern air defense systems during captive flight maneuvers.

What is the significance of the AGM-88G program for Northrop Grumman (NOC)?

The AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range program is crucial for integrating and enhancing the missile's targeting capabilities.

What are the future plans for testing the missile by Northrop Grumman (NOC)?

Northrop Grumman plans additional flight tests in more challenging scenarios later in 2022, leading to live fire testing.