Our C4ISR Heritage
Northrop Grumman's C4ISR leadership builds on a rich history of innovation and success. Explore pivotal moments in the development of C4ISR technologies over the past century.
Timeline
1932
Grumman SF-1
The Grumman SF-1 scout aircraft makes its first flight.
1941
December 7 Attack on Pearl Harbor
An SCR-270 radar detects the December 7 attack on Pearl Harbor; its warnings go unheeded because of high-level uncertainty about the new technology's reliability.
1953
Pulse Doppler Radar
The company patents the key technologies for pulse doppler radar, the basis for all airborne radars in use today.
1958
Lightweight Inertial Navigation System
Lightweight inertial navigation system for aircraft becomes operational.
1959
Explorer VI
Explorer VI, the first satellite to capture images of the earth, is launched.
1960
E-2 Hawkeye
First flight of the E-2 Hawkeye carrier-borne advanced early-warning aircraft. The current generation is designated E-2D.
1962
Tactical Data System
First prime contract win to directly support the Tactical Data System.
1970
Defense Support Program
The first Defense Support Program missile warning satellite is launched into orbit.
1971
DSCS II
TRW designs DSCS II, a global military communications network.
1971
Guardrail Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Aircraft
The Guardrail signals intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft enters service.
1976
E-3 AWACS
Westinghouse delivers the first E-3 AWACS long-range surveillance radar.
1983
U.S. Department of Defense's Strategic Defense Initiative
The company creates the first laser radar used in space as part of the U.S. Department of Defense's Strategic Defense Initiative.
1988
E-8C Joint STARS (Surveillance, Target and Attack Radar System)
The E-8C Joint STARS (Surveillance, Target and Attack Radar System) makes its first flight.
1989
B-2 Stealth Bomber
First flight of the B-2 stealth bomber, a descendant of Jack Northrop's flying wing design.
1994
Milstar
Milstar, the next generation of military communications satellites, is launched.
1996
Air and Missile Defense Workstation (AMDWS)
Northrop Grumman fields the first version of the Air and Missile Defense Workstation (AMDWS), which provides a composite air defense picture to warfighters.
1998
RQ-4A Global Hawk
First flight of the RQ-4A Global Hawk. The MP-RTIP (Multi-Platform Radar Improvement Program) sensor will fly on the Block 40 version of the aircraft.
2002
Multi-Role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) Antenna
Northrop Grumman rolls out the Multi-Role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) antenna for the Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft.
2002
Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS)
The Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) enters service with the Air Force; it automates mission planning through the development of common components and software that can be shared across all platforms.
2004
Light Weight Wide Aperture Array (LWWAA)
Light Weight Wide Aperture Array (LWWAA), a fiber optic acoustic sensor, is integrated on Virginia Class submarines.
2006
Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS)
The first Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) satellite achieves orbit with Northrop Grumman sensor payloads on board.
2006
Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade and Below Blue Force Tracking
Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade and Below (FBCB2) Blue Force Tracking capability integrated on the Joint STARS aircraft.
2007
Guardian™
Guardian™ anti-missile system reaches 100,000-hour milestone.
2010
AEHF-1 (Advanced Extreme High Frequency) Satellite
Northrop Grumman's communications payload launches aboard the AEHF-1 (Advanced Extreme High Frequency) satellite, which provides joint, interoperable and assured connectivity for warfighters.
2012
CANES Modular C4I System
Northrop Grumman fields the first CANES modular, open systems architecture C4I system with the Navy.
2013
X-47B Unmanned Aircraft
The X-47B becomes the first unmanned aircraft to catapult from and land on an aircraft carrier, pointing the way for future autonomous strike and C4ISR capabilities.
2014
Upgrading the Navy's C4I Systems
The company is selected to upgrade cybersecurity, command and control, communications and intelligence (C4I) systems across the Navy fleet.
2014
G/ATOR
G/ATOR, the DoD's first multi-mission ground radar, enters low-rate initial production.
2015
NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS)
NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) aircraft unveiled.
2016
Next-Generation Unmanned System
An illustration of Tern DARPA Awards Northrop Grumman Contract for Full-Scale Demonstration Program of Next-Generation Unmanned System for Maritime ISR and Strike
2016
Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM)
Northrop Grumman Delivers First Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) Systems to US Army
2016
Counter-UAS Technologies
Northrop Grumman Demonstrates Counter-UAS Technologies
2017
Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS)
US Navy's AN/AES-1 Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) Achieves Initial Operational Capability
2017
G/ATOR
Northrop Grumman Delivers First Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) Production System to US Marine Corps
2017
First-Ever ICBM Target Intercept Test
Northrop Grumman Directs Engagement in First-Ever ICBM Target Intercept Test
2017
SABR
United States Air Force Selects the Northrop Grumman APG-83 SABR for F-16 AESA Radar Upgrade
2017
Next-Generation Satellite Communications
Northrop Grumman Australia Awarded Contract to Deliver Next-Generation Satellite Communications for the Australian Defence Force
2018
Vanguard
Northrop Grumman Unveils "Vanguard" Open Architecture Radar Solution
2018
Joint Threat Emitter (JTE)
Northrop Grumman to Provide Joint Threat Emitter (JTE) Advanced Electronic Warfare Simulation and Training Capability to the US Air Force
2019
Poland Next-Generation Air and Missile Defense System
Northrop Grumman Awarded to provide Poland Next-Generation Air and Missile Defense System
2019
E-2D Aircraft
Northrop Grumman Awarded Multi-Year Contract for 24 E-2D Aircraft