SAN
DIEGO – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has selected Vektrex to
develop a power interface for performing high-fidelity power testing on F-35
Joint Strike Fighter communications avionics.
Vektrex is
the recipient of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program grant
from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The
communications avionics are being developed by the Radio Systems business of
Northrop Grumman’s Space Technology sector, under contract to Lockheed
Martin. When fully developed,
the system will enable over 35 communications, navigation and identification
(CNI) functions for the F-35. Vektrex’s
technology will improve the power interface integrity of the F-35 CNI
avionics to reduce risk to the flight-testing phase.
“We are
pleased that the technology developed by Vektrex will play an important role
in F-35 avionics testing,” said Frank Flores, F-35 CNI program director,
Northrop Grumman Space Technology. “This is an example of how innovations
by small businesses enhance the products that we provide to our
customers.”
Northrop
Grumman's CNI system utilizes software-defined radio technology to
simultaneously support numerous capabilities such as various voice and data
communications, automatic acquisition of fly-to points and friend-or-foe
identification. The system can
also dynamically reconfigure these functions to support priorities defined
by missions. Using
software-defined radio technology, Northrop Grumman’s CNI system is a
fraction of the size and weight of the single-function radios previously
required to implement the same functions.
This “smart-box” approach allows for increased performance,
quicker deployment, higher availability, enhanced scalability and lower
lifecycle cost.
Incorporated
in 1986, Vektrex is a software- and systems-integration company supporting
the test-and-measurement industry. Vektrex
has key expertise with test instruments, instrument drivers and
software-based measurements, and provides enabling products and services
that help clients migrate to software-based measurements.
The company is a woman-owned small business located in San Diego.
Northrop
Grumman Space Technology is a leader in the development of space systems and
payloads for environmental, space science, communications and military
applications.
Northrop
Grumman Corporation is a global defense company headquartered in Los
Angeles, Calif. Northrop
Grumman provides technologically advanced, innovative products, services and
solutions in systems integration, defense electronics, information
technology, advanced aircraft, shipbuilding and space technology.
With 125,000 employees, and operations in all 50 states and 25
countries, Northrop Grumman serves U.S. and international military,
government and commercial customers.
For
more information please contact:
Melissa Ford
(858) 558-8282
sales@vektrex.com
