Since the introduction
of Northrop Grumman's AN/SLQ-32(V)1 in 1974, the company has been
a leader in surface Navy electronic warfare and has been involved
in every version upgrade. This latest contract award enables Northrop
Grumman, serving as prime integrator, to utilize its expertise in
electronic warfare and active electronically scanned array (AESA)
technology.
"This is
the first simultaneous multi-mission enabler to be developed and deployed
on Navy surface ships," said Teri Marconi, vice president and
general manager, Navigation and Maritime Systems Division, Northrop
Grumman. "We are building on our rich heritage of AESA radar
and electronic warfare technology by delivering an affordable system
with the improved performance, high reliability, enhanced flexibility
and war fighting capability required by the SEWIP (pronounced Sea
Whip). We are proud to be the Navy's selected partner to safeguard
sailors in defense of freedom for our nation and its allies."
SEWIP Block 1 focused on obsolescence mitigation and special signal
intercept. SEWIP Block 2 focused on electronic support capability
improvements. SEWIP Block 3 will focus on electronic attack capability
improvements. SEWIP Block 3 will provide a common electronic attack
capability to U.S. Navy cruisers, destroyers, aircraft carriers and
amphibious assault ships.
Northrop Grumman's
SEWIP Block 3 solution features active and passive arrays, performing
electronic warfare and communications functions with continuous 360-degree
coverage. The system interfaces with the ship's combat management
system and multi-mission technology provides unprecedented situational
awareness to effectively detect, track and engage threats in high-clutter
environments.
