Boeing

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] is teaming with Northrop Grumman Corporation [NYSE: NOC] to develop a new airborne electronic attack capability for U.S. Air Force B-52H aircraft.

The proposed B-52H Core Component Jammer (CCJ) program will provide long-range radar jamming capabilities, making in-theater air support safer and more effective. The Air Force is currently examining its airborne electronic attack needs, and has not yet issued a request for proposals.

"With Boeing's platform knowledge and aircraft integration expertise and Northrop's electronic attack system integration background, we stand ready to provide the best value to the Air Force," said Scot Oathout, Boeing director of B-52 Programs. "Our teaming approach allows us to develop a cost effective solution that meets our customer's critical mission requirements. We will work closely with the Air Force to finalize the requirements to ensure the program is affordable."

The CCJ capability will be added to the multi-mission-capable B-52H, which has significant structural life remaining, making the platform one of the most versatile in the Air Force inventory.

"We are going to build on the existing relationship our companies have on the U.S. Navy's EA-18G Growler and our four decades of developing and delivering electronic attack systems," said Pat McMahon, Northrop Grumman vice president of Electronic Support & Attack Solutions. "With Boeing, we will leverage our achievements and lessons learned from our many successful programs to deliver a low-risk, affordable and effective solution for the U.S. Air Force's electronic attack mission requirements. We also plan to leverage the investment the U.S. Air Force is making in phased array technology development at the Air Force Research Laboratory."

If selected, modification work will be completed at Boeing's Support Systems facility in Wichita, Kan., and at Northrop Grumman's facility in Bethpage, N.Y.