Northrop Grumman Corporation is developing new, advanced unmanned systems
to support the Department of Defense's capability to deploy global persistent
intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and strike capabilities
in a faster and more cost-effective way. The next-generation Tactical
Exploited Reconnaissance Node (Tern) program is one example of several
in progress focused on addressing various customer challenges. Designed
to operate off small-deck U.S. Navy vessels, Tern would enable greater
mission capability and flexibility without the need for establishing
fixed land bases or deploying aircraft carriers. |
Currently under the joint leadership of the Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Office of Naval Research, Tern aims
to improve aviation capabilities from smaller ships substantially beyond
the current levels.
"Being competitively selected to execute Phase II of the
Tern program allows us to further demonstrate how our system could advance
the Navy's mission," said Chris Hernandez, vice president, advanced
systems, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "Our Tern solution
taps into the company's proven expertise and experience in developing
and deploying operational unmanned systems in harsh and challenging
environments at sea."
Tern seeks to develop a semi-autonomous, long-range, persistent ISR/strike
asset that could safely and dependably deploy and recover from small-deck
naval maritime vessels with minimal ship modifications.
"Our goal is to provide the surface combatant with an innovative,
game-changing system that addresses the need for a highly flexible,
robust and affordable unmanned ISR/strike capability," said Ralph
Starace, manager, advanced systems, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. |
