Meets Key Objectives for SiAW
Northrop Grumman has successfully completed a second flight test for its new anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) missile, demonstrating capabilities that will meet key objectives for the upcoming Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) programme, the company announced on 21 December. The test was completed using a company-owned CRJ-700 aircraft as the testbed for the air-to-surface mission computer and sensors.
Northrop Grumman invested to actively mature and test its A2/AD missile design, which meets USAF requirements for SiAW and other programmes. Featuring open architecture interfaces, the Northrop Grumman solution will bridge current requirements while enabling rapid future upgrades to meet changing mission requirements.
“As a missile prime, we play a vital role in pioneering the most innovative solutions that increase survivability and lethality against new and emerging adversary threats,” said Mary Petryszyn, President, Northrop Grumman Defense Systems. “Our lean-forward approach enables us to innovate at rapid speeds while reducing cost for our customers.”
This second flight test demonstrated the mission capability of the missile sensor systems combined with the mission computer. This is the first of a new series of company-funded flight tests, aimed at testing the system with more stressing scenarios in preparation for the missile launch in 2022.
“We have taken significant steps to mature our missile design, providing capabilities for the US Air Force SiAW program and other programs,” commented Dan Olson, VP/GM Weapon Systems. “Leveraging our digital engineering expertise to accelerate timelines, our first complete missile is planned to be built and ready for launch in 2022.”
The Northrop Grumman A2/AD solution leverages lessons learned on the Navy’s AARGM-ER, engineering manufacturing and development, low-rate initial production and integration work on the F-35 aircraft. It will be capable of integration on a variety of aircraft.
