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Navy chooses Northrop for project

LINTHICUM, Md., Oct. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. company Northrop Grumman will develop a suite of electronic warfare, information operations and line-of-sight communications on naval surface platforms.

The initial development and demonstration contract from the U.S. Department of Defense's Office of Naval Research is worth $18 million, with a total estimated value of $109 million over the next four years if all contract options are exercised.

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Building off of ONR's efforts with the advanced multi-function RF concept and the multi-function electronic warfare system, the Integrated Topside program will optimize the use of open architecture, moving the U.S. Navy toward its plan for information dominance, while making upgrades to improve system cost effectiveness and reduce obsolescence.

InTop will reduce the number of multiple topside apertures currently in use. The new system will increase communications bandwidth and help resolve electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility issues caused by the large number of antennas on ships.

"Northrop Grumman has been a long-term partner with ONR on developing innovative solutions for the warfighter and InTop represents the future of naval capabilities when it comes to shipboard protection," said Steve McCoy, vice president of the Advanced Concepts business unit for Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector.

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"ONR has implemented a plan to leverage state-of-the-art foundation technologies towards multi-function systems that provide warfighters with affordable and effective technologies, supporting multiple platform installations.

"InTop is a game changer for the Navy. It is intended to improve ship survivability by providing countermeasures to anti-ship missiles more effectively, making this a critical asset to the warfighter," he said.

Northrop Grumman is serving as prime contractor with key support being provided by teammate ITT Corp.

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