American aerospace and defense technology company Northrop Grumman informed that it has conducted a critical design review (CDR) for the U.S. Navy’s Block 3 AN/SLQ-32(V)7 electronic warfare system.
The company said the CDR, a key component of the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP), focused on the detailed design of the electronic attack subsystem that will make up a deployable AN/SLQ-32(V)7 system.
The review of the detailed design for the auxiliary support, power, and cooling components as well as shipboard compatibility is expected to take place later this year.
According to Northrop Grumman, two prototypes proving out the final design will be provided to the Navy at the end of the Engineering Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase.
“SEWIP is a truly disruptive technology for our warfighters and we are excited to have completed this important milestone,” said Todd Leavitt , vice president of maritime systems, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems.
The technology represents what the company termed as “a quantum leap” in the early detection, signal analysis, threat warning and protection from anti-ship missiles. The system enables ships to counter threats non-kinetically, and will be installed on as many as 50 ships identified in the current budget plan.