Northrop Grumman successfully completes anti-access / area denial missile flight test

Northrop Grumman has successfully completed the second flight test of its new anti-access / area denial missile, demonstrating capabilities that will meet key objectives of the upcoming Rescue Attack Weapons Program.

The test was performed using a company-owned CRJ-700 aircraft as a test bed for the air-to-ground mission computer and sensors.

Northrop Grumman has invested in actively developing and testing their A2 / AD missile design, which meets the US Air Force’s requirements for SiAW and other programs. Featuring open architecture interfaces, the Northrop Grumman solution will meet current requirements while enabling rapid future upgrades to meet changing mission requirements.

“As the first missile, we play a critical role in developing the most innovative solutions that increase survivability and lethality against new and emerging adverse threats,” said Mary Petryszyn, President of Northrop Grumman Defense Systems. “Our lean-forward approach allows us to innovate at rapid speeds while reducing costs for our customers.”

This second flight test demonstrated the mission capability of the missile detection systems combined with the mission computer. This is the first in a new series of company-funded flight tests that will continue to test the system under more stressful scenarios in preparation for the missile’s launch in 2022.

“We have taken significant steps to evolve our missile design, providing capabilities to the US Air Force‘s SiAW program and other programs,” said Dan Olson, vice president and general manager of systems for the US Air Force. ‘weapons, Northrop Grumman. “By leveraging our digital engineering expertise to accelerate lead times, our first complete missile is expected to be built and ready for launch in 2022.”

Northrop Grumman A2 / AD solution leverages lessons learned from the Navy’s AARGM-ER, engineering manufacturing and development, low rate initial production and integration work on the F-35 aircraft . The Northrop Grumman A2 / AD missile is capable of being integrated into a variety of aircraft.