General Dynamics Demonstrates Roll-Controlled Guided Mortar for Potential U.S. Army Applications

General Dynamics Demonstrates Roll-Controlled Guided Mortar for
Potential U.S. Army Applications
September 18, 2009

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems announced today that it has successfully developed and tested a new approach for low-cost guided mortars called the 120mm Roll- Controlled Guided Mortar (RCGM). Under a cooperative research and
development agreement with the U.S. Army TACOM-ARDEC, Picatinny Arsenal,
N.J., General Dynamics successfully tube-launched and guided RCGM prototypes from a M120 120mm mortar weapon system at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds.

The Roll-Controlled Guided Mortar uses standard 120mm M934A1 mortar-round components, including the warhead and fuzing elements, to reduce costs and risks in response to an accelerated fielding timeline for this critical operational capability.

Several key enhancements are made to evolve the M934A1 into a precision
mortar, while using existing warheads to maximize its lethality. For
example, the standard fuze (M734A1) is adapted to include an integrated
fuze-and-Global-Positioning-System (GPS) guidance, navigation and control (GNC) subassembly while maintaining the current fuze-setting method and function. The GNC subassembly incorporates a GPS receiver with a low-cost control system known as the Roll-Controlled Fixed Canard (RCFC) system, developed and patented by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, that allows the mortar to adjust its flight to reach the intended target.

To further reduce costs and speed deployment, the RCGM cartridge maintains the "look and feel" of the existing M934A1 cartridge, so no major changes in operating procedures are necessary. The fuze, warhead and LAP production will occur on existing, operational lines.

General Dynamics has assembled a team to qualify and produce the RCGM to
meet the Army's immediate guided mortar requirements, with a vision to
enhance its operational capability in the future. As the current integrator of the M934A1 120mm mortar cartridge and producer of all of the major components, General Dynamics' team is in the unique position to leverage its production history to deliver the lowest-risk, lowest-cost, next-generation precision mortar cartridge to the U.S. Army.

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is committed to producing
high-quality products and services through the use of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) principles in support of continuous improvement throughout its business and manufacturing processes. The company is a world leader in the manufacture of large-, medium- and small-caliber direct and indirect-fire munitions, shaped charge warheads and BALL POWDER(R) Propellant. It also manufactures precision metal components; and provides load, assemble and pack services for tactical missile and rocket programs.

General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs
approximately 92,000 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in
business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and
munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and
technologies.

Technorati Tags:
General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), Land Systems

Northrop Grumman Awarded Army Tactical Simulation Contract

Northrop Grumman Awarded Army Tactical Simulation Contract
September 17, 2009

HERNDON, Va. - The U.S. Army's Constructive Simulations Division has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) a contract to provide program management, training, testing, information technology and field support to its Tactical Simulation (TACSIM) program. TACSIM is the prime intelligence simulation for the Army as well as the joint services.

Under the terms of the three-year, $9 million contract,
Northrop Grumman is responsible for software development and
information assurance for TACSIM in Orlando, Fla., as well as support
for 10 TACSIM sites worldwide. Northrop Grumman developed TACSIM and
has been supporting the program for more than 20 years.

"In today's environment intelligence simulation and training
are key force multipliers for successful operations around the globe,"
said Dave Guerrero, Northrop Grumman Technical Services' TACSIM program
manager. "We have many years of experience supporting high fidelity
simulations and we continue to apply the latest technologies to
intelligence training. We will continue to provide superior program
performance to the Army and the joint community for many years to
come."

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security
company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products
and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems,
shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial
customers worldwide.

# # #

Technorati Tags:
Military Training, Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC)

New Missile Warning Satellite Built By Lockheed Martin Begins Major Environmental Test Phase

New Missile Warning Satellite Built By Lockheed Martin Begins Major Environmental Test Phase
September 17, 2009

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has begun thermal vacuum testing of the first Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) satellite, a major program milestone that will validate spacecraft performance in a complete test-like-you-fly environment.

The U.S. Air Force's SBIRS program is designed to provide early warning of missile launches, and simultaneously support other missions, including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness.

Conducted inside Lockheed Martin's Dual Entry Large Thermal Altitude (DELTA) chamber, the test will verify spacecraft functionality and performance in a vacuum environment where the satellite is stressed at the extreme hot and cold temperatures it will experience in space. The extensive test is designed to validate the overall satellite design, quality and workmanship and survivability during space vehicle launching and on-orbit operations.

"The entire team has worked extremely hard throughout our rigorous process of risk reduction and subsystem and baseline testing leading up to this critical test," said Dave Sheridan, Lockheed Martin's SBIRS GEO program director. "We look forward to executing a disciplined and thorough test and delivering this revolutionary satellite that provides vastly improved surveillance capabilities for the warfighter."

The SBIRS team is led by the Space Based Infrared Systems Wing at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Azusa, Calif., as the payload integrator. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.

The team is executing to a planned schedule that supports GEO-1 delivery and launch in the beginning of fiscal year 2011 aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle.

Lockheed Martin's SBIRS contract includes the two highly elliptical orbit (HEO) payloads now on-orbit, two geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellites, as well as ground-based assets to receive and process the infrared data. The team was recently awarded a $1.5-billion contract for the third HEO payload, the third GEO satellite and associated ground modifications. A contract to include a fourth HEO payload and potential fourth GEO satellite is expected to be awarded later this year.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

Technorati Tags:
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), Space systems

Landing of Gas Turbine Engines Is Latest Milestone For Nation's Third Littoral Combat Ship

Landing of Gas Turbine Engines Is Latest Milestone For Nation's Third Littoral Combat Ship
September 17, 2009

MARINETTE, Wis. -- The Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)-led industry team completed another key milestone in constructing the nation's third Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) with the landing of the vessel's two main propulsion gas turbines. More than 50 percent of the ship's modules are under construction at the Marinette Marine shipyard. LCS 3, named Fort Worth, is scheduled for delivery to the U.S. Navy in 2012.

Designed to operate in coastal waters, the LCS provides the Navy with a fast, agile shallow-draft warship that maximizes mission flexibility. The vessel is a highly automated and networked surface combatant which can accommodate mission packages that provide the ship with the ability to execute focused missions such as mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, as well as other potential missions.

Fort Worth's gas turbine engines, part of an innovative combined diesel and gas turbine propulsion plant with steerable water jets, are a critical part of the Lockheed Martin team's proven LCS propulsion system. The same system has successfully powered USS Freedom (LCS 1) since that ship's November 2008 commissioning. Two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines - the largest gas turbines installed on any Navy ship class - will allow Fort Worth to sustain sprint speeds of well over 40 knots, as demonstrated with USS Freedom. The propulsion system also has two fixed and two steerable Rolls-Royce water jets which enable superior maneuverability for mission execution.

"The success that Freedom achieved in its acceptance trials proves the soundness of the logistical, technological and manufacturing approach that the team is using to build LCS," said Dan Schultz, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Integrated Defense Technologies business. "We're using the lessons learned from LCS 1 to build LCS 3 even more efficiently and cost effectively."

In March 2009, the Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a fixed price incentive fee contract to construct Fort Worth. In July, the ship's sponsor, Rep. Kay Granger (R-12-Texas) joined the Lockheed Martin team members and U.S. Navy representatives for its keel laying ceremony.

Lockheed Martin's LCS team delivered the first-of-class USS Freedom to the fleet in only six years from its initial concept, half the time of traditional shipbuilding programs. Team members include naval architect Gibbs & Cox, ship builders Marinette Marine Corporation, a Fincantieri company, and Bollinger Shipyards, as well as domestic and international teammates.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

Technorati Tags:
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), Naval Systems

Northrop Grumman and EADS Defence & Security Invite Media to Euro Hawk(R) Unmanned Plane Unveiling

Northrop Grumman and EADS Defence & Security Invite Media to Euro
Hawk(R) Unmanned Plane Unveiling
September 17, 2009

What: Members of the electronic and print media are invited to
Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) facility in
Palmdale, Calif., to cover the unveiling of the first Euro
Hawk(R) unmanned plane, a transatlantic cooperation between
Northrop Grumman and Germany's EADS Defence & Security.

When: Thursday, Oct. 8
Arrival: 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. (for sign-in, security
screening)
Set-up: 10:35 - 10:55 a.m.
Ceremony: 11:00 - 11:40 a.m.
Speaker Media Availability: 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Where: Northrop Grumman Corporation
3520 East Avenue M
Building 307, Site 3 Hangar
Palmdale, Calif. 93550

RSVP: No later than Thursday, Oct. 1
Non-U.S. citizens are requested to contact us by Monday,
Sept. 28.

Gemma Loochkartt, Northrop Grumman
+1 (858) 618-4245, gemma.loochkartt@ngc.com
-OR-
Theodor Benien, EADS Defence & Security
+49 8459 -8180485, theodor.benien@eads.com

IMPORTANT SECURITY INFORMATION:
All potential attendees to this event must RSVP no later than Thursday,
Oct. 1. Non-U.S. citizens/foreign persons must RSVP by Monday, Sept.
28. If you are not on the list, we will not be able to admit you to the
ceremony. Please RSVP even if you are not sure you can attend.

Required information from all media participants: full name,
organization, title, phone, e-mail, and state-issued ID number and
expiration date. If you're a non-U.S. citizen, please also provide
country of citizenship, date of birth, place of birth, address, and
passport number, expiration date and issuing country.

Upon sign-in, please be prepared to show a state-issued ID (passport
for non-U.S. citizens) and a badge/ID from your media organization.
Please note: Northrop Grumman's facility is located within Air Force
Plant 42, an active Air Force base. Upon arrival at front gate, you
will need to present current car registration, proof of insurance, and
valid driver's license.

BACKGROUND:
With a wingspan larger than a commercial airliner and endurance
projected at up to 30 hours, the Euro Hawk(R) will serve as the German
Air Force's high-altitude, long-endurance signals intelligence (SIGINT)
system. The Euro Hawk(R) is a derivative of the Block 20 Global Hawk,
and will be equipped with a new SIGINT mission system developed by EADS
Defence & Security. EuroHawk GmbH, a 50-50 joint venture of Northrop
Grumman and EADS Defence & Security, is responsible for the development
and manufacturing of the Euro Hawk(R) systems and will act as the
national prime contractor for the German Ministry of Defence through
the system's entire lifecycle. The aircraft is scheduled for its first
flight in early 2010.

# # #

Technorati Tags:
Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), EADS

Northrop Grumman’s Chairman and CEO Ronald D. Sugar Announces Plan to Retire; Board Elects Wesley G. Bush CEO and President

Northrop Grumman’s Chairman and CEO Ronald D. Sugar Announces Plan to Retire; Board Elects Wesley G. Bush CEO and President
September 16, 2009

LOS ANGELES– Ronald D. Sugar, chairman and chief executive officer of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) since 2003, has announced his plan to retire from the company in June 2010, following 29 years of service to Northrop Grumman and its predecessor companies. To facilitate an orderly transition process, Sugar will step down from the chairman and CEO positions and the company’s Board of Directors effective December 31, 2009.

He will continue as an employee officer advising the company until his June 30, 2010 retirement date. Sugar will assume the title of chairman emeritus effective January 1, 2010.

The Northrop Grumman Board of Directors has elected Wesley G. Bush, currently president and chief operating officer, to the position of chief executive officer and president, effective January 1, 2010. Bush was also elected to the Northrop Grumman Board of Directors, effective immediately.

The Board of Directors elected Lewis W. Coleman, currently lead independent director, to the role of non-executive chairman, effective January 1, 2010.

"On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Ron Sugar for his many outstanding contributions both to Northrop Grumman and to the security of our nation," said Coleman. “Wes Bush brings extraordinary management talent and industry knowledge to his new position and his selection reflects the effectiveness of the company's leadership succession process.”

"It has been a privilege to serve at the helm of this great company," Sugar said, "and I am extremely proud of the 120,000 men and women who have contributed significantly to our nation’s defense, building Northrop Grumman into a leader in global security. I have worked closely with Wes Bush for many years. Wes is an outstanding executive who is ready to provide a new generation of leadership for Northrop Grumman.”

“I look forward to leading Northrop Grumman and continuing to drive improvements in our performance and shareholder value,” said Bush.
Sugar, 61, joined Northrop Grumman following its acquisition of Litton Industries and previously held executive positions at TRW Inc. During his tenure as CEO, Northrop Grumman effectively integrated multiple acquired companies as it developed systems and technologies critical to the nation’s security. Northrop Grumman expanded sales from $26 billion to nearly $35 billion to become the nation’s second largest defense company by revenue. During this time, Northrop Grumman also strengthened its balance sheet to achieve the highest credit rating in the company’s history.

Bush, 48, joined the company in 1987, and rose to positions of increasing responsibility, including serving as sector president, chief financial officer, and most recently president and chief operating officer. Bush earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also is a graduate of UCLA’s Executive Management Program.

Coleman, 67, was elected to the Northrop Grumman Board of Directors in 2001. He is president and chief financial officer of DreamWorks Animation SKG. He was formerly chairman of Banc of America Securities L.L.C., a subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.
Statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially due to factors such as: the effect of economic conditions in the United States and globally; access to capital; future sales and cash flows; timing of cash receipts; effective tax rates and timing and amounts of tax payments; returns on pension plan assets, interest and discount rates and other changes that may impact pension plan assumptions; the outcome of litigation, claims, audits, appeals, bid protests and investigations; hurricane-related insurance recoveries; costs of environmental remediation; our relationships with labor unions; availability and retention of qualified personnel; costs of capital investments; changes in organizational structure and reporting segments; risks associated with acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures and other business arrangements; possible impairments of goodwill or other intangible assets; effects of legislation, rulemaking, and changes in accounting, tax or defense procurement; changes in government and customer priorities and requirements (including, government budgetary constraints, shifts in defense spending, changes in import and export policies, changes in customer short-range and long-range plans); acquisition or termination of contracts; technical, operational or quality setbacks in contract performance; issues with, and financial viability of, key suppliers and subcontractors; availability of materials and supplies; controlling costs of fixed-price development programs; contractual performance relief and the application of cost sharing terms; allowability and allocability of costs under U.S. Government contracts; progress and acceptance of new products and technology; domestic and international competition; legal, financial and governmental risks related to international transactions; potential security threats, natural disasters and other disruptions not under our control; and other risk factors disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
###

Technorati Tags:
Appointments, Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC)

Lawson Elected to Air Force Association Board of Directors

Lawson Elected to Air Force Association Board of Directors
September 16, 2009

MARIETTA, Ga. -- Larry Lawson, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company executive vice president and F-22 program general manager, has been elected by the delegates of the Air Force Association (AFA) as a national director - at large, of the AFA Board of Directors. The vote was held in Washington, D.C., at the AFA National convention prior to the start of the 2009 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition.

Lawson brings 30 years of defense industry experience and business leadership to the position. He has led the F-22 Raptor Program, including the industry team of partners and nearly 1,000 suppliers, since 2004. He is responsible for all facets of the program, including strategic direction and infusion of the latest technologies into the Raptor.

Lawson started his career in the defense industry with McDonnell Douglas as a designer on the F-15. Since then, he has led the development and fielding of a broad spectrum of weapon systems. Prior to coming to the F-22, he was the vice president of Business Development for Lockheed Martin's Electronic Systems business area. He is a recognized industry leader and committed to delivering capability and quality to the United States Air Force.

"We are thrilled to welcome Larry to the AFA Board of Directors," said Joseph E. Sutter, chairman of the AFA Board of Directors. "His years of defense industry knowledge bring a unique perspective to this key role. His experience coupled with his tremendous leadership record will be extremely valuable as he works with the other dedicated Board of Directors to serve our nation's airmen."

"It is a great honor for me to have the opportunity to serve alongside these distinguished AFA board members," said Lawson. "Our goal must be to ensure the warfighter has the best capability our industry can offer, and I'm excited to accept this new role and serve the men and women who defend our nation."

AFA is a 501(C) (3), nonprofit organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. AFA has more than 200 chapters nationally and internationally representing more than 125,000 members. Visit AFA at http://www.afa.org.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.