NG Wins Key MDA ATILL Laser Deal

RAY GUNS

disclaimer: image is for illustration purposes only

by Martin Sieff
Washington (UPI) Feb 5, 2008
Northrop Grumman said Tuesday it has won a U.S. Missile Defense Agency contract "for the second phase of a five-and-a-half year program to develop the Advanced Track Illuminator Laser -- ATILL -- a six-kilowatt-class, solid-state, pulsed laser with excellent beam quality for advanced MDA missions." "The entire four-phase program will support MDA and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory -- MIT/LL --in building the next generation Cryo Yb:YAG --ytterbium: yttrium aluminum garnet -- solid-state laser track illuminator while significantly improving packaging density and electrical efficiency," the company said.

Northrop Grumman said that during Phase 1 of the contract, it "supported the MIT/LL effort with laser system modeling and analysis, performed trade studies and presented options at a conceptual design review in December. Following the 12 months of Phase 2, MDA will down-select to a single industry partner for the remaining two phases. The fourth phase will culminate in 2012 with delivery to the government of a flight-qualifiable brass-board laser system."

"ATILL is the latest example of Northrop Grumman's technological leadership in solid-state laser innovation," said Alexis Livanos, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman's Space Technology sector. "As the industry leader in solid-state high-energy laser development and packaging, Northrop Grumman is uniquely capable of delivering the highest quality product with low risk."

"During Phase 1, the Northrop Grumman team conducted a four-month study focusing on system engineering and design trade-offs for the development of a packaged brass-board laser and participated in the technology transfer effort at MIT/LL. Brass-board design analysis and technology transfer with MIT/LL will continue through Phases 2 and 3, with fabrication, integration and testing of the brass-board conducted in Phase 4," the company said.

"ATILL is another opportunity to continue our leadership in high power solid-state laser illuminators," said Dan Wildt, vice president of directed energy systems at Northrop Grumman's space technology sector. "Our previous experience in developing the ABL Beacon Illuminator and our recent, directly relevant experience on MDA's Strategic Illuminator Laser program demonstrates the technology and packaging capability needed for success on ATILL."

Northrop Grumman' said its "expertise in high power solid-state lasers, combined with the advanced capabilities of Northrop Grumman's teammate, Q-Peak Inc., provides an exceptional capability to successfully execute the ATILL program."

"Q-Peak Inc., located in Bedford, Mass., has built the second most powerful Cryo Yb:YAG laser to date and shares a similar legacy in solid-state experience as Northrop Grumman. Combined, the ATILL team averages 27 years of laser experience," Northrop Grumman said.

"Northrop Grumman and Q-Peak Inc. are laser technology experts and have proven to be an outstanding team to support MIT/LL and transition the ATILL Breadboard to a packaged Brass-board Laser System," said Wildt.

Northrop Grumman said it had "been a leader in developing and demonstrating high-energy lasers for more than 30 years."

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RAY GUNS

Northrop Grumman Names Stewart VP Of Laser Systems

Apopka FL (SPX) Jan 29, 2008
Northrop Grumman has appointed Gordon R. Stewart as vice president of Laser Systems with responsibility for the company's Apopka site operations, effective immediately. In his new position, Stewart will be located in Apopka and have executive responsibility for all laser systems programs within the company's new Rolling Meadows, Ill.-based Land Forces Division.

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