FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb 25, 2005
San Diego, California, 24 February 2005. The US Navy has selected a team led by General Atomics (GA) to perform the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) Program. The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) down-selected from the two contractors performing the Component and Technology Development phase of the AAG program and has chosen GA to execute the SDD phase.
In the 5-year, $95.8-million SDD phase, the GA-led Team will design, develop, manufacture, install, and demonstrate a production-representative AAG unit. System installation and demonstration will be at a NAVAIR test facility at Lakehurst, NJ. Other team members are Curtiss-Wright Electro-Mechanical Corporation, Engineered Arresting Systems Corporation, Foster-Miller, Inc., John J. McMullen Associates, Inc., and EDO Corporation.
Dr. Carmelo Rodriguez, the GA AAG Program Director, said "We are delighted to provide the US Navy with technology to recover existing and projected carrier-based aircraft well into the 21st century. The AAG will provide increased operational availability, while reducing manning, maintenance, and support costs, and significantly enhancing safety."
In addition to the AAG system, GA's Electromagnetic Systems (EMS) Division currently has several projects aimed at increasing electrical functionality aboard Navy ships. These include Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), Superconducting DC Homopolar Motor, Integrated Fight-Through Power distribution, and Electromagnetic Launch System (rail gun).
EMS Division Vice President, Mike Reed, says, "This is a great win for our Team. We all look forward to working with the Navy to provide the best possible Advanced Arresting Gear system. The new AAG system is designed to provide an improved arrestment of a wider range of aircraft with less maintenance and a reduced crew size. It will provide transformational technology by continuing the trend to advanced electric systems."
For further information contact:
Dr. Carmelo Rodriguez
AAG Program Director
(858) 455-2579
carmelo.rodriguez@ga.com
Carl Fisher
Director, Business Development
Electromagnetic Systems Division
(202) 496-8217
carl.fisher@ga.com
Doug Fouquet
Public Relations
(858) 455-2173
fouquet@ga.com