FALLS CHURCH, Va., Sept. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Northrop
Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and AgustaWestland (AW), a
Finmeccanica company (FNC IM, SIFI.MI), announced that they have
signed a comprehensive teaming agreement to respond to anticipated
requests for both the new U.S. Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter
and the U.S. Navy's recently announced program to develop a new
"Marine One" presidential helicopter. A U.S.-built helicopter based
on the AW101 platform will be offered by Northrop Grumman to meet
these requirements.
The agreement pairs Northrop Grumman's proven management and
systems integration expertise with AgustaWestland's world-renowned
rotorcraft manufacturing and advanced helicopter design and
development. The AW101 system offers both programs an optimum mix
of capability to successfully bring the best possible new combat
rescue helicopter to the Air Force and the best possible new
presidential Helicopter to the Navy-Marine Corps team.
Northrop Grumman has a long history of success in managing the
development of complex air systems. The company delivers products
across a spectrum of capabilities – from fully autonomous strategic
unmanned systems such as the Fire Scout and Global Hawk to the E-2D
Advanced Hawkeye, the stealthy B-2 bomber and the most advanced
battle management system in the world today, the E-8 Joint STARS.
That record will be coupled with the continuous investment in
rotorcraft technology development AgustaWestland has made to field
the world's most advanced, rugged and reliable helicopters.
Northrop Grumman and AgustaWestland are partnering to offer
affordable systems that are total solutions without compromise.
These will be proven, advanced rotorcraft, built in the United States and fully integrated with
the most advanced mission suites, integrated onboard sensors and
communications systems available today. These systems will meet the
future needs of both programs. The AW101 system is a mature,
reliable, highly capable and combat-proven multimission aircraft
that affordably meets the needs of the nation's combat search and
rescue forces and will serve the nation's presidents far into the
future.
"This is a strong partnership between two companies that
combines each company's strengths," said Paul Meyer, vice president and general manager
of advanced programs and technology at Northrop Grumman's Aerospace
Systems sector. "While Northrop Grumman has broad expertise in
systems integration of large aircraft programs, AgustaWestland has
world-leading expertise in global rotorcraft and vertical lift. We
believe that this industry partnership will bring together the best
experience, expertise and resources, ensuring that the customer
receives the best solution."
"We are delighted to have Northrop Grumman as a partner, with
their impressive history of supporting the U.S. Department of
Defense," said Bruno Spagnolini,
chief executive officer of AgustaWestland. "We strongly believe
that the AW101 is the right aircraft for both missions and that
this team can succeed."
AgustaWestland is a global leader in the military and commercial
rotorcraft markets and has more than 100 years of experience in the
aerospace industry. AgustaWestland now supports over 4,700 aircraft
in over 90 countries and has the widest and most modern range of
rotorcraft of any manufacturer for military, government and
commercial applications. Please visit
www.agustawestland.com for more information.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing
innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace,
electronics, information systems, and technical services to
government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit
www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation