InTop LLRAM demonstration completed

Northrop Grumman completed a critical test in the development of the Integrated Topside (InTop) Low-Level Resource Allocation Manager (LLRAM) programme in partnership with the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL).

The LLRAM was demonstrated in conjunction with the the InTop Electronic Warfare/Information Operations/Communications (EW/IO/COMMS) system at the NRL’s test facility in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland.

The system demonstrated the simultaneous sharing of a single antenna, while flexing its adaptable size and antenna pattern capabilities, and performing a mission that would have previously required multiple dedicated antennas. The test was carried out as part of work to enable future antenna reductions on ships that are already capacity-constrained, allowing for more advanced capabilities in an ever-increasingly complex battlespace environment.

The demonstration showed that the EW/IO/COMMS Advanced Development Model for SEWIP Block 3 can serve as a platform for proving out advanced multi-function concepts using existing NRL test assets.

Mike Meaney, vice president, maritime electronic and information warfare, Northrop Grumman, said: ‘The Northrop Grumman/NRL demonstration of LLRAM concepts was conducted in the same environment that proved crucial to the development of the SEWIP Block 3 EDM.

‘The efficiency of signal sharing capabilities, scalability and advanced resource management capabilities developed on the LLRAM programme will allow for a significantly reduced footprint topside.’

The system leverages four AESA arrays (low band transmit/receive and high band transmit/receive) and intended platforms include cruisers, destroyers and aircraft carriers.