Northrop Completes Successful First Flight Tests of Distributed Aperture System Sensors for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

Published: Nov 18, 2005
Source: www.irconnect.com



BALTIMORE, Nov. 17, 2005 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has begun initial flight testing of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (EO DAS) sensors, which will surround the aircraft with a unique protective sphere of situational awareness.

On Nov. 11, Northrop Grumman's BAC 1-11 avionics testbed aircraft flew with three EO DAS sensors installed. During the flight, all three sensors functioned simultaneously to provide a seamless, combined wide field of view. Northrop Grumman conducted the flight tests in the local airspace around the company's Electronic Systems sector headquarters, located near Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall airport.

Designated the AN/AAQ-37, and comprising six electro-optical sensors, the full EO DAS will enhance the F-35's survivability and operational effectiveness by warning the pilot of incoming aircraft and missile threats, providing day/night vision and supporting the navigation function of the F-35's forward-looking infrared sensor.

"It is always exciting to complete the first units of a new sensor, such as EO DAS, and have them perform so well in the initial flight testing," said Joe Ensor, vice president of Combat Avionics Systems at Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems. "The imagery from these initial sensors is outstanding."continue..