Article Posted on : - Oct 11, 2011

ROLLING MEADOWS, ILLINOIS (BNS): Northrop Grumman Corporation's Next Generation Automatic Test Station (NGATS) programme passed a key milestone with the successful conclusion of the US Army's formal Product Verification Test (PVT).

During six weeks of testing, NGATS surpassed numerous PVT requirements, including field duration and stated mean time between system aborts. The testing was conducted at the Huntsville, Alaska, facility of DRS Test & Energy Management, Northrop Grumman's strategic partner for the NGATS program. All tests were monitored by the Army's Product Director, Test Diagnostic Measurement Equipment program office based at Redstone Arsenal, Alaska.

"Through advanced user interfaces, faster testing processes, and the ability to easily transport the system, NGATS will help ensure that our warfighting customer's equipment is as ready for battle as they are," Kay Burch, vice president, communications, intelligence and networking solutions for Northrop Grumman's Land and Self Protection Systems Division, was quoted as saying in the company news release.

Northrop Grumman received its NGATS contract to procure eight (8) LRIP units in 2010 from the US Army's Program Executive Office for Combat Support & Combat Service Support.

Under the terms of the contract, Northrop Grumman will commence NGATS deliveries later this year and will continue through 2012.