$20M for future jammer development

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BETHPAGE, N.Y., July 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has given Northrop Grumman a $20 million contract to advance development of key elements for a next-generation jammer system.

The award for technology advancement and a mature concept demonstrator follows the company's successful completion of the initial technology maturation -- extensive in-flight demonstrations of its prototype pod and prime power generation system.

"A key goal in our Next Generation Jammer approach is ensuring we identify and mitigate technical risks early," said Steve Hogan, vice president of Northrop's Information Operations and Electronic Attack unit.

"I believe these tests go a long way in meeting that goal and are a testament to our team's innovation, technical know-how and dedication to winning the next phase of this critical program."

Northrop said the testing validated the pod's aerodynamics and the ability of the ram air turbine design to generate power needed to meet the Navy's requirements. All test objectives were met and the demonstrated power generation performance exceeded initial estimates, it said.

Northrop integrated its pod with a Gulfstream G-III Airborne Test Bed aircraft of the Calspan Corp. for the testing.