Northrop Grumman to develop warning system to detect ground-based threats

Northrop Grumman has been selected by the US Army to continue development of the Passive Infrared Cueing System (PICS), a e ground threat warning system that can locate, cue, and classify potential threats from tank fire, rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank guided missiles.

"This rugged, easy-to-use, and cost-effective sensor system will provide military personnel with earlier warning and improved identification of potential threats. With its combination of fast and accurate detection, PICS will fill a key capability for the US military," said Steve McCoy, Advanced Programmes director. "PICS is intended to alert Army commanders in a matter of milliseconds of the location of a potential ground-based threat launch to enable defensive systems to effectively neutralize the threat."

Under the contract for the second phase of the program, Northrop Grumman will demonstrate 360-degree sensor coverage while on the move at the Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. The goal is to complete the PICS programme with a Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6) system prototype. Northrop Grumman demonstrated a similar capability from a stationary location in a previous phase.

The 20-month, $6 million contract was awarded by the Army's Research, Development and Engineering Command Communications-Electronics Research Development and Engineering Centre as part of the Intelligence and Information Warfare Directorate. The Army has the option to exercise an additional three-year contract valued at $17 million to continue development.

The effort is being led by Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems sector.

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