Northrop, Lockheed partner

Northrop Grumman Corp., Los Angeles, and Lockheed Martin Corp., Bethesda, Md., have both been awarded contracts worth up to $35 million to develop electro-optical equipment for the Defense of U.S. Aircraft System.

For its indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract, Northrop will provide multifunction electro-optics for the system. Lockheed's indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract calls for the delivery of electro-optical components as well. Both companies are due to complete work by January 2008.

The Air Force Research Laboratory at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity for both awards, which will develop next-generation defense systems that thwart infrared laser attacks and perform offensive actions, and which are small and light enough to be installed in aircraft.