SAN DIEGO, July 30 (UPI) -- Northrop Grumman said it has delivered its 100th AN/ASQ-242 communications, navigation and identification system to Lockheed Martin for integration into the F-35 Lightning II fighter.
"The CNI system is a critical part of the F-35 mission systems suite, and we're proud of the excellent performance of the AN/ASQ-242 in flight tests and ongoing pilot and maintainer training activities," said Mike Twyman, vice president and general manager of the Defense Systems division of Northrop Grumman Information Systems. "This milestone underscores our commitment to advanced design, quality manufacturing, affordability and supportability."
The CNI system provides F-35 pilots with the capability of more than 27 avionics functions, including Identification-Friend-or-Foe, precision navigation, and various voice and data communications.
"By incorporating lessons learned from previous programs and early F-35 low-rate production lots, we're delivering highly robust and reliable CNI systems that demonstrate extensive fifth-generation fighter capabilities," Twyman said. "The Northrop Grumman team is focused on continuous improvement, lot to lot, for schedule, quality and cost as we prepare for high-rate F-35 production."
Northrop is a principal member of the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 industry team and produces a variety of systems and sub-systems for the aircraft.
