NEWPORT
NEWS, Va., December 2, 2003 – Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC)
Newport News held a christening ceremony on November 19
for its submarine model concept called Newport News Experimental
Model 1 (NNemo 1). NNemo 1 is a scaled, radio-controlled
submarine model of Newport News' advanced hull form concept
submarine design. Testing of NNemo 1 will take place at
a Virginia lake in December. Data from the testing will
help predict full-scale ship performance in turning, verify
dynamic stability, and allow for the development of emergency
recovery procedures.
Northrop
Grumman Newport News designed and developed NNemo 1 through
independent research and development. The revolutionary
design is based on innovative pressure hull technologies,
structural materials, and electric propulsion systems developed
at Northrop Grumman Newport News to operate and maneuver
the submarine in shallower water. The Naval Surface Warfare
Center – Carderock Division provided general design guidance.
"We're
looking forward to NNemo's journey and the contributions
it will provide to the future of submarine warfare,"
said Walt Floyd, manager of Submarine Technology at Northrop
Grumman Newport News. "What we learn from this project
will help us to design future generation submarines that
will be safe for the crew while remaining highly-effective,
war-fighting platforms."
NNemo
1 was built by Sias-Patterson, Inc, a small business in
Yorktown, Va. devoted to the design and manufacture of Commercial
Off The Shelf (COTS) Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs).
Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems and Integrated Systems
also contributed to the project. Integrated Systems provided
the navigation unit and Electronic Systems provided assistance
with the propellers.
Northrop
Grumman Newport News, headquartered in Newport News, Va.,
is the nation’s sole designer, builder, and refueler of
nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and one of only two companies
capable of designing and building nuclear powered submarines.
Newport News also provides after-market services for a wide
array of naval and commercial vessels. The Newport News
sector employs about 18,000 people.
