Northrop Grumman will design, develop, integrate and support the mission systems, drawing on its experience in electronic warfare, communications, sensing and autonomy. Hermeus said the agreement also covers work in navigation and command and control.
“Defense technology needs to evolve faster than ever before, because our customers need solutions now. Together, we’re giving the military a new operational edge by putting advanced mission kits on aircraft built to move beyond supersonic speeds,” said Kyle Mimken, a Northrop Grumman program manager.
“We’re building a new class of aircraft that gives the warfighter improved speed, range, and flexibility while integrating into the existing Force,” Hermeus Chief Executive Zach Shore said. “Adding Northrop Grumman’s battle-tested mission systems will push what those aircraft can do in real world scenarios and help us field operational capability faster.”
The work will use a mission management system Hermeus built to U.S. government standards for mission systems, autonomy and command interfaces. The open, modular design separates functions essential to flight from those used to carry out a mission, allowing the companies to add or update capabilities within weeks as requirements change, Hermeus said.
Northrop Grumman said the agreement is part of its effort to work with newer defense suppliers to develop and field more affordable systems faster. The companies can also use the partnership to pursue development programs that require both high-speed airframes and proven mission systems.
