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ITT Exelis and Boeing team completes wind tunnel testing of Next Generation Jammer pod

Dépèche transmise le 19 décembre 2011 par Business Wire

ITT Exelis and Boeing team completes wind tunnel testing of Next Generation Jammer pod

CLIFTON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) program’s technology maturation phase, ITT Exelis [NYSE:XLS] and The Boeing Company [NYSE:BA] have successfully completed wind tunnel testing of the team’s proposed full-scale pod at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va.

“The wind tunnel test operations validated our engineering team’s projections, so now we’re preparing for the next step of in-flight testing.”

The testing, observed by U.S. Navy representatives, demonstrated the power generation and control capability of the pod’s Ram Air Turbine, used to generate electrical power for jamming. The pod, if selected by the Navy, will be deployed aboard the U.S. Navy’s electronic attack EA-18G aircraft.

“Successful wind tunnel testing of an integrated power generation system is a significant risk reduction achievement for the ITT-Boeing NGJ program,” said Bob Ferrante, vice president and general manager of Exelis Electronic Systems’ airborne electronic attack business. “The wind tunnel test operations validated our engineering team’s projections, so now we’re preparing for the next step of in-flight testing.”

The Next Generation Jammer program, a complete upgrade to existing technology, will ensure that U.S. forces have dominance of the electronic spectrum, providing a comprehensive capability.

“Increased power generation is critical to NGJ success,” said Jim Skerston, Boeing NGJ chief engineer. “The embedded Ram Air Turbine must generate adequate power to operate the system, the transmitter and other mission electronics.”

"The successful demonstration of the power generation system was the culmination of collaborative design work that leveraged ITT's high power electronics expertise with Boeing's system integration capabilities," said Rick Martin, Boeing's Advanced Military Aircraft chief engineer. "This work takes us one step closer to fielding the next major capability step in the EA-18G electronic attack arsenal."

ITT Exelis Electronic Systems provides innovative integrated solutions for the global defense, intelligence, information assurance and commercial aerospace sectors. As a leader in electronic warfare and communications, we leverage our experience and innovation to ensure the success of our customers’ critical missions. Our technology leadership extends into the areas of airborne electronic attack, networked and satellite communications, counter-improvised explosive devices, airspace management, surveillance systems, airborne and shipboard radar, acoustic sensors, advanced composite structures and electronic weapons interfaces.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 63,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

About ITT Exelis

ITT Exelis is a diversified, top-tier global aerospace, defense and information solutions company with strong positions in enduring and emerging global markets. Exelis is a leader in networked communications, sensing and surveillance, electronic warfare, navigation, air traffic solutions and information systems with growing positions in cybersecurity, composite aerostructures, logistics and technical services. The company has a 50-year legacy of innovation and technology expertise, partnering with customers worldwide to deliver affordable, mission-critical products and services for managing global threats, conflicts and complexities. Headquartered in McLean, VA, the company employs about 21,000 people and generated 2010 revenue of $5.9 billion. www.exelisinc.com