Northrop to design new ICBM transporter

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HERNDON, Va., Nov. 1 (UPI) -- A $39.7 million contract has been given to Northrop Grumman to produce a payload transporter system for the U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile system.

The transporter system to be designed, developed, tested and qualified will replace the current system, which is nearing the end of its design life.

"Northrop Grumman has worked in close coordination with the Air Force for more than five decades to ensure the safety, security and reliability of our nation's ICBM weapon system," said Tony Spehar, vice president and program manager of Northrop Grumman's ICBM Systems business unit.

"We are honored to have the opportunity to continue providing our customers with affordable, innovative solutions to meet their operational mission requirements."

"The replacement transporter will provide an immediate improvement in security and prevent potential supportability impacts from the aging system currently in use," said Mark Bishop, program manager for the company's payload transporter replacement program.

The contract is for four years.