LINTHICUM, Md., Sept. 21, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) recently hosted key representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps, as the AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR (Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar) multi role radar enters its final stages of development. When deployed, G/ATOR will replace five legacy Marine Corps ground-based radars with advanced operational capabilities and enhanced mobility and reliability, while also providing large reductions in operating and maintenance costs.
G/ATOR is the first ground-based, multi-role radar to be developed for the U.S Department of Defense. By virtue of its ability to intelligently and adaptively allocate its resources, G/ATOR will detect and track a wide variety of threats, including manned aircraft, cruise missiles and unmanned autonomous systems, as well as mortar, rocket and artillery rounds.
"G/ATOR represents a new era in critical air and ground warfighting capabilities for the Marine Corps," said Jeff Palombo, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman's Land Forces and Self Protection Systems Division. "When deployed, G/ATOR will deliver unprecedented mission functionality and versatility that the U.S. Marine Corps needs to fight in the modern battlespace."
The day's events were centered on the successful mechanical and electrical integration of the G/ATOR Radar Equipment Group (REG). The REG is the heart of the G/ATOR system, and includes the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna, all AESA control electronics, the integrated receiver/exciter, and all data and signal processing. The REG has been integrated onto a mobile pallet and trailer for maximum mobility and ease of deployment.
Leading the delegation of Marine Corps officials at the G/ATOR event at Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector's headquarters in Linthicum, Md., was Lt. Gen. George J. Trautman III, the Marine Corps' Deputy Commandant for Aviation, and the principal G/ATOR program sponsor.
The G/ATOR REG will now undergo additional electronic testing in preparation for integration with the other G/ATOR subsystems: the Communications Equipment Group (CEG) and the Power Equipment Group (PEG). This integration will be immediately followed by system level performance testing.
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CONTACT: Ellen Hamilton Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems (224) 625-4693 ellen.hamilton@ngc.com