Northrop Grumman Air Claw(TM) Receives Federal Aviation Administration Supplemental Type Certificate
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HERNDON, Va. — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE: NOC) Air Claw™ a multiuse Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). The STC provides Air Claw™ customers with an FAA-certified airborne surveillance and reconnaissance capability.
Air Claw™ is based on the rugged Quest KODIAK 100, which is a short take off and landing aircraft.
The Air Claw™ multiuse STC validates the quality of design and integration and allows the aircraft to operate without limitation in U.S. airspace. It also covers modifications of the KODIAK's external cargo compartment, cabin interior arrangement and the electrical power distribution system. The Air Claw ™ certificate adds a fixed electro-optical/infrared sensor, ground communications radios, downlink and a wide area surveillance system.
The Air Claw™ demonstration aircraft is currently equipped with FLIR Star SAFIRE 380-HD and several other innovative technology applications to include the Hawkeye wide area motion imaging system designed by Persistent Surveillance Systems, Dayton, Ohio. The Northrop Grumman team continues to expand future command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) payloads to meet diverse customer needs in the law enforcement, wildlife management and military reconnaissance missions.
"This STC is an important step in demonstrating the safety and reliability of the system. It provides the ability for customers to acquire a fully modified aircraft and safely operate them within the FAA's 'normal' category," said Bob Gamache, director, special mission systems, Northrop Grumman Technical Services. "The certificate covers an operations-ready configuration and provides a baseline of testing and engineering for customers who may want to further tailor Air Claw™ to their specific mission needs."
The aircraft are assembled at Quest's Sand Point Idaho Facility and modified at Northrop Grumman's Middle River, Md., repair station. In 2012, Northrop Grumman established a collaborative agreement with Quest Aircraft to develop and jointly market Air Claw™ as the preferred single engine special mission aircraft. Air Claw™ leverages the KODIAK's unique, rugged design and Northrop Grumman's legacy of commercial aircraft modifications for special mission aircraft. The system offers strong surveillance performance and Short Take off and Landing capability in an affordable, customizable package.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation
CONTACT: Leah Smith, 703-713-4616, Leah.smith@ngc.com, or Dave Apt, 703-713-4490, David.apt@ngc.com
Web Site: http://www.northropgrumman.com
