Northrop Grumman Corporation was awarded a U.S. Army contract for second phase development of its Improved Threat Detection System (ITDS). The award follows the Army’s early decision to choose the company’s discriminating technology demonstrated in successful first phase ITDS flight tests against competing systems.

 Northrop Grumman’s ITDS maximizes aircraft survivability with superior capability and operational speed that will provide a decisive future advantage for Army air crews to defeat ever-evolving threats.

A UH-60M Army Helicopter conducting U.S. Army Phase I flight tests of Northrop Grumman’s ITDS, featuring the ATHENA sensor. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)

The ITDS, features Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Tactical Hostile Engagement Awareness (ATHENA) sensor – providing pilots the freedom to maneuver across present and future battle spaces while equipped with a generational leap in threat detection capabilities:

• ATHENA is a next-generation, multi-spectral threat warning sensor. It delivers360-degree situational awareness to Army aviators and detects threats pilots can’t see – even looking through the aircraft floor.
• ATHENA’s Advanced Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) detection capability utilizes high-resolution and wide-band sensors to quickly identify incoming UAS threats. It also detects loitering munitions, Electro-Optical/Infrared targeting systems, guided Man Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), anti-tank guided missiles, small arms, medium- and large-caliber machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank guided munitions.
• ITDS is designed with open systems architecture, allowing for faster addition of new capabilities to outpace emerging threats and maintain air superiority in rapidly changing threat environments.
• ITDS is a Future Airborne Capability Environment and Modular Open Systems Approach compliant system, able to operate on current Army aircraft and Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft. The system is intended for the enduring and future Army rotary aircraft fleet, with priority given to the MV-75 Cheynne II and AH-64 Apache.

Experts: 

Trevis Crane, Ph.D., survivability development programs director, Northrop Grumman: “Through our strong partnership with the Army, we’ve developed a state-of-the-art aircraft survivability system that meets mission needs in the most challenging threat environments. ITDS and the advanced situational awareness capabilities of its ATHENA sensor are vital for ensuring successful missions and safe returns.”

Northrop Grumman’s Improved Threat Detection System (ITDS), featuring the ATHENA sensor, delivers enhanced threat warning capabilities to elevate aircraft survivability and protect warfighters. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman) 

Details: 

Northrop Grumman’s ATHENA sensor meets today’s mission needs while providing the U.S. Army with connected, multi-service capabilities to identify future threats. As a form/fit replacement for legacy aircraft sensors, it seamlessly integrates into an aircraft with flare or laser-based countermeasure systems, such as the Common Infrared Countermeasure system.