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HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Oct. 11, 2005 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation
(NYSE:NOC) announced today it intends to locate the system
integration laboratory for its Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI)
missile-defense program at the company's new Cummings Research Park
complex.
The system integration laboratory will primarily serve as a
software-development and integration lab to verify that KEI software
meets its requirements and can interface with other systems that
help to make up the nation's overarching ballistic missile defense
system. During the later stages of the KEI program, Northrop Grumman
will integrate production-level computer processors into the
laboratory.
"The new Northrop Grumman facility was a natural choice, given
its close proximity to existing KEI software activities now underway
and the work being done by the Missile Defense Agency in Huntsville
to integrate the overarching ballistic missile defense system," said
Craig Staresinich, vice president and KEI program manager for
Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems sector. "This decision will
ultimately help foster cooperation, enhance efficiency and reduce
integration expenses, as the KEI element begins to interface with
the agency's larger system to become an integral part of our
nation's layered capability."
The laboratory is expected to employ up to 70 engineers,
including new hires and employees transferring from other Northrop
Grumman sites.
KEI is a mobile, land-based missile-defense system that, when
deployed, will be able to destroy a hostile threat during its boost,
ascent or midcourse phase of flight. The team managing the KEI
battle-management portion of the program is in Huntsville.
Huntsville-based employees also support other missile-defense
programs, including providing the fire-control and communications
subsystem for the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense System.
Northrop Grumman employs about 1,200 people in the Huntsville
area, in more than 20 facilities. Most current operations will be
consolidated in the new headquarters facility, which will house
offices, laboratories and research and development centers. Other
Huntsville activities include developing and fielding advanced
tactical command posts under the Command Post Platform program;
serving as the prime contractor for Forward Area Air Defense, a
command-and-control capability that helps protect ground forces
against enemy aircraft while protecting friendly aircraft; and
producing the Longbow missile and Viper Strike munition.
The company's major area customers include the U.S. Army Space
and Missile Defense Command; Army Aviation and Missile Command; the
Army Program Executive Office for Aviation; the Army Program
Executive Office for Missiles and Space; and elements of the Missile
Defense Agency.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense company
headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. Northrop Grumman provides
technologically advanced, innovative products, services and
solutions in systems integration, defense electronics, information
technology, advanced aircraft, shipbuilding and space technology.
With more than 125,000 employees, and operations in all 50 states
and 25 countries, Northrop Grumman serves U.S. and international
military, government and commercial customers. CONTACT: Marynoele Benson
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems
(703) 741-7723
marynoele.benson@ngc.com
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