Northrop, Lockheed win work for laser-based defense system

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

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

For its indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract announced July 11, Northrop will provide multi-function electro-optics for the system. Lockheed's ID/IQ contract, announced July 3, calls for the delivery of electro-optical components as well. Both companies are due to complete work by January 2008. Thus far, Lockheed Martin has been awarded $209,774 and Northop has been awarded $371,872. Further funds will be obligated as individual delivery orders are awarded.

The Air Force Research Laboratory at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity for both awards.

The Defense of U.S. Aircraft System is being developed under a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency program called Multifunction Electro-Optics for Defense of U.S. Aircraft, or MEDUSA. MEDUSA 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.