Northrop Grumman to build missile integration facility
Northrop Grumman’s new missile integration facility will begin with production of the AARGM-ER. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
Northrop Grumman announced on 6 July that it would construct a new 113,000-square-foot (10,500 square-meter) facility in West Virginia to integrate advanced missiles.
When completed in 2024, it will be able to support the production of up to 600 strike missiles annually.
Among its products will be the second lot of low-rate initial production for the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER) weapon.
Mary Petryszyn, corporate VP and president of Northrop Grumman Defense Systems, commented: ‘Our new missile integration facility is a factory of the future, designed to affordably produce high quantities of missiles to meet increasing customer demand. Northrop Grumman’s investments in manufacturing capacity, digital processes and emerging technologies translate into the rapid deployment of capability into the field.’
The facility has been designed so that it can be easily modified to manage the integration of current and new missile types.
Northrop Grumman revealed, ‘The company is investing in adaptable manufacturing techniques to quickly pivot as demands change – a differentiator among traditional missile integration facilities.’
The facility will incorporate digital manufacturing, including automation and the use of smart manufacturing equipment and modular work cells.
Northrop Grumman is also constructing a Hypersonics Capability Center in Elkton, Maryland. This is expected to be completed next year.
More from Defence Notes
-
US Army and Navy target improved comms and signal processing
Expedition Technology has received three small business innovation research awards from the US Army and US Navy’s Office of Naval Research to develop AI and machine learning technologies.
-
Ukraine conflict prompts precision strike and artillery shift in the Baltics
The Baltic states are fine-tuning their pre-war defence procurement plans following lessons learned from the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, with a renewed focus on long-range and precision fire capabilities.
-
Rafael eyes US production of Ice Breaker
If Rafael can seal a production partnership in the US for Ice Breaker, Israel could use Foreign Military Financing to buy the missile rather than dipping into its own defence budget.