ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Oct. 27, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC - News) continues to make significant updates to the electronic warfare (EW) self-protection systems onboard the U.S. Air Force's B-52 bomber. In 2008, the company has received Air Force contracts valued at $72 million to update the B-52's system capabilities through the insertion of cutting-edge EW technologies developed for the F-35 aircraft into the B-52's electronic warfare self-protection system.

``Many of our current B-52 EW systems are at least 30 years old, expensive to maintain and lack capabilities much needed by our warfighters. We are excited about the vastly improved protection and reliability offered by the new systems while common hardware and software makes them affordable,'' said Sandra Hunt, Program Manager, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center.

``These modern, digital technologies include the very latest processors, microwave converters, technique generators and digital radio frequency memories, in a modular and scalable software and hardware architecture,'' said Mark Kula, vice president, Radio Frequency Combat & Information Systems for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems Division.

Northrop Grumman is also under separate contracts to insert those same components into U.S. Air Force AN/ALQ-131 and AN/ALQ-135 systems, spreading these commonality benefits from the JSF and B-52 across the F-16, A-10 and F-15 fleets.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

          Paul C. Cabellon
          Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems
          (410) 765-7192
          paul.c.cabellon@ngc.com