SAN DIEGO, July 31, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- With the U.S.
Marine Corps achieving F-35B initial operating capability (IOC),
the Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL) waveform developed by
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been proven a key
combat-ready capability of the F-35 Lightning II program.
MADL is a high-data-rate, directional communications link that
allows fifth-generation aircraft to communicate and coordinate
tactics covertly. During testing of the Lockheed Martin F-35, MADL
exceeded 1,000 flight hours.
The Marine Corps declared the F-35B short takeoff and
vertical-landing (STOVL) aircraft and the first squadron – Marine
Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121), known as the Green Knights
– officially operational July 31.
VMFA-121, based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, is equipped with 10
aircraft.
"Northrop Grumman congratulates the Marine Corps on their
achievement of this momentous F-35 milestone," said Jeannie Hilger, vice president and general
manager, communications division, Northrop Grumman Information
Systems. "The successful completion of IOC also validates Northrop
Grumman's more than 10-year effort to advance communication among
fifth-generation aircraft."
MADL is part of Northrop Grumman's F-35 integrated
communications, navigation and identification (CNI) avionics and an
important element of the F-35 Block 2 software release. Northrop
Grumman has delivered 181 CNI systems to Lockheed Martin, the F-35
prime contractor.
Since August 2012, MADL has been
used continuously to support a variety of developmental and
operational objectives during testing at Edwards Air Force Base,
California. Block 2B MADL testing
culminated with four F-35s demonstrating that data passed among the
aircraft via MADL could be correlated with data from other F-35
sensors and fused to form a unified situational awareness picture
on cockpit displays.
"In addition to fifth-to-fifth, Northrop Grumman's CNI system
also provides a core capability for fifth-to-fourth generation
networked data sharing and unparalleled interoperability," Hilger
said, citing a series of operational flight tests under the Jetpack
Joint Capability Technology Demonstration program.
As part of the Jetpack JCTD program, Northrop Grumman developed
the Freedom 550™ software-defined radio that bridges
fifth-to-fourth generation platform interoperability gaps. Jetpack
JCTD, which concluded in 2014, was sponsored by the Office of the
Secretary of Defense (OSD), U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command,
Pacific Command and OSD's Defense Microelectronics Activity.
Northrop Grumman's integrated CNI system provides to F-35 pilots
the equivalent capability of over 27 avionics subsystems. By using
its industry-leading software-defined radio technology, Northrop
Grumman's design allows the simultaneous operation of multiple
critical functions while greatly reducing size, weight and power
demands on the advanced fighter. These functions include
Identification Friend or Foe, automatic acquisition of fly-to
points, and various voice and data communications, including MADL,
which was approved by the U.S. Department of Defense Joint
Requirements Oversight Council for use on all low-observable
platforms.
As a principal member of the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 industry
team, Northrop Grumman performs a significant share of the work
required to develop and produce the aircraft. In addition to
developing and producing the CNI system, Northrop Grumman produces
the center fuselage; designed and produces the AN/AAQ-37
Distributed Aperture System sensor and the aircraft's radar and
electro-optical subsystem; develops mission systems and mission
planning software; leads the team's development of pilot and
maintenance training system courseware; and manages the team's use,
support and maintenance of low-observable technologies.
Lockheed Martin is developing three models of the F-35 for the
U.S. military and 11 other nations. The F-22 Raptor and F-35
Lightning II are the world's only operational fifth-generation
stealth aircraft; fourth-generation fighters include the F-15, F-16
and F-18.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing
innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems,
cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and
commercial customers worldwide. Please visit
www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
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SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation