Northrop Grumman Selects Wind River for Next Generation Unmanned Aerial Combat Systems
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ALAMEDA, Calif.- January 25, 2005-Wind River Systems (NASDAQ: WIND), the global leader in Device Software Optimization (DSO), today announced that Northrop Grumman selected Wind River Platform for Safety Critical as the device software foundation for the mission computer and vehicle management computer on the X-47B portion of the Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS) program. Northrop Grumman will produce and flight-test three X-47B unmanned demonstration vehicles with associated mission-control and logistical support elements. Flight demonstrations are expected to begin in 2007. “By design, flight critical systems require reliable, secure software to ensure the success and safety of military operations,” said Rick Ludwig, J-UCAS Business Strategy and Development at Northrop Grumman. “The X-47B is designed to be a highly capable, fully-networked air warfare system, making software selection a critical component for the J-UCAS program. Wind River’s proven safe and secure technology combined with its expertise in safety critical application development, provides us with the foundation we need to develop and run this air warfare system that will support the full spectrum of military operations.” The J-UCAS program is a joint Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy program established to demonstrate the technical feasibility, military utility and operational value of networked, unmanned, air-combat systems. Software plays a key role in the J-UCAS program, which has three objectives that include: demonstrating the technical feasibility of developing a Common Operating System that allows for a family of land- and carrier-based unmanned combat aerial vehicles; assessing the joint operational utility of the J-UCAS concept in the mission areas of suppressing enemy air defenses, strike, electronic attack and penetrating surveillance and reconnaissance; and, developing production system concepts for the Navy and Air Force. “Northrop Grumman is renowned for the success of its unmanned combat air systems. Being selected as part of the J-UCAS program is an honor, illustrating Wind River’s commitment to the defense market as well as increasing demand for Platform for Safety Critical in new military applications,” said John Bruggeman, chief marketing officer for Wind River. “With Wind River, Northrop Grumman has the long-term support and guaranteed technology enhancements that will further system innovation in the growing market for unmanned systems.” Wind River Platform for Safety Critical is a comprehensive suite of software development tools and real time operating systems that enable aerospace and defense manufacturers to develop and run mission critical applications better, faster, reliably at a lower cost. The Platform also meets the high-reliability, security and certification requirements for flight safety standards established by the FAA. |
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About Wind River Founded in 1981, Wind River is headquartered in Alameda, California, with operations worldwide. To learn more, visit Wind River at http://www.windriver.com or call Wind River at 1-800-872-4977. |
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About Northrop Grumman |
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Contact Information Wind River Systems U.K. Ltd Isabelle Denis Tel.: +33-1-6486-6664 |


