Initial flight tests of the Northrop Grumman electro-optical distributed aperture system sensors for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter have proved three sensors will “function simultaneously to provide a seamless, combined wide field of view,” says Northrop officials. The company flew the sensors aboard its BAC 1-11 avionics testbed aircraft. The full F-35 suite comprises six EO-DAS sensors—designated AN/AAQ-37. Northrop plans to deliver the first complete suite to aircraft developer Lockheed Martin in April. The imagery from the three test sensors was “outstanding,” says Northrop’s Joe Ensor.
Space Systems Command on July 27 announced a $287 million award to Sphinx Defense to develop a mission planning prototype for the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications program’s ground segment.