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Northrop Grumman Delivers Key Software for First F-35 STOVL Variant

Posted on: Aug. 13th, 2007 || Source: Northrop Grumman | E-mail Article | Print Article

Northrop Grumman Delivers Key Software for First F-35 STOVL Variant

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Aug. 13, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has delivered to F-35 Lightning II prime contractor Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) the initial release of software required to perform manufacturing checkout of the first F-35B short take-off vertical landing (STOVL) variant.

The company has delivered updates for software modules used to perform three critical functions: functional test of key sensor subsystems such as radar, electronic warfare, and communication/navigation/IFF; download of maintenance information from the aircraft; and in-flight detection and pilot notification of safety-critical faults.

"The delivery of this initial manufacturing release (IMR) of software for the first F-35 STOVL aircraft continues Northrop Grumman's unbroken, two-year-long streak of on-time software deliveries to the F-35 Lighting II program," said Janis Pamiljans, F-35 program manager for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector. "We're doing everything we can to support the F-35 industry team's goal of flying the first STOVL variant in the spring of 2008."

The software delivered to Lockheed Martin includes:

* Prognostic and Health Monitoring software, which is used to check
out the built-in-test features of the sensor hardware and verify
that the hardware is operating properly;

* Maintenance Interface Broker software, which is used by maintenance
personnel to download diagnostic information from the aircraft; and

* Mission Domain software, which includes navigation related
software; software models for aircraft performance; and the Mission
Systems Integrity Monitor, safety-critical software that detects,
filters and notifies the pilot of critical in-flight failures.

The initial manufacturing release of software is the second in a five-step F-35 software release process leading to first flight. Between now and spring 2008, Northrop Grumman plans to deliver three more rounds of software updates for the STOVL software modules listed above.

* Ground test release, which will be used during initial power-up and
taxi tests of the F-35B;

* Flight candidate release, which provides the core of software used
during initial flight; and

* Flight test update, which provides any updates or additional
software capabilities required for flight testing.

As a principal member of the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 global industry team, Northrop Grumman plays a critical role in the development and production of the weapons system. The company's contributions include: producing and integrating a major section of aircraft's structure; producing key radar and electro-optical subsystems; producing key avionics and communications subsystems; developing mission systems and mission-planning software; developing pilot and maintenance training systems; and developing logistic support hardware and software

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $30 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

FILE PHOTO - F-35 Lightning II - Ninth Test Flight (5)

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