Apopka, FL--Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has matured its All Semiconductor Airborne Laser Threat Terminator (ASALTT) technology to Technology Readiness Level-6 compliance--meaning a representative model or prototype system has been tested in a relevant (although not yet in-the-field) environment and is ready for field testing--to defeat both current and emerging infrared (IR) threats. The ASALTT is an advanced technology quantum-cascade-laser-basedmid-IR laser designed and developed to protect a wide variety of aircraft including fixed-wing and rotor aircraft, whether based on land or at sea.
Since achieving Technology Readiness Level-6 compliance earlier this year, ASALTT systems have participated in multiple field and lab tests. These tests have proven the product line to be successful in countering a variety of threats, including current and advanced scenarios. Northrop Grumman says this is a significant milestone for the ASALTT platform and paves the way for continued collaborative work closing capability gaps for the warfighter.
The ASALTT line offers a variety of optomechanical and environmentally stable laser systems designed to defeat enemy threats, taking advantage of the most advanced laser technologies currently available from government, industry, and academia. Designed with infrared countermeasures in mind, the modular architecture also provides for the utilization of key subsystems into adjacent markets, such as covert markers and pointers. This upgradeable laser system supports the expansion of mission profiles as they develop for future concepts of operation and associated system platforms.
"With the safety of the warfighter in mind, it is imperative that we continue to think beyond today's requirements," said Gordon Stewart, VP and GM of Northrop Grumman's Laser Systems business unit. "ASALTT is more than just new technology. It enables users to solve multiple critical problems with one solution."
Taking advantage of advancements in laser sources, combining techniques, and co-alignment techniques, ASALTT's modular open system architecture is flexible and scalable to customer specifications and requirements. These characteristics are key to controlling total cost of ownership while maintaining the ability to encounter the next generation of threat possibilities.
Northrop Grumman manufactures military electro-optical (EO) targeting systems that include ground-based (man-portable, handheld, and vehicle-mounted) EO imaging/ranging systems for target location, laser designators/markers for precise guidance of smart munitions, and airborne laser rangefinders and designators fielded onboard manned and unmanned aircraft.
SOURCE: Northrop Grumman; www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=10009421