Northrop Grumman has matured the technology for its All Semiconductor Airborne Laser Threat Terminator system that is designed to protect aircraft from infrared-based anti-aircraft threats, announced the company on Oct. 23. ASALTT is an advanced technology quantum cascade laser that can defend fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms, either over land or at sea, according to the company’s release. The technology has undergone “multiple field and lab tests” that “have proven the product line to be successful in countering a variety of threats, including current and advanced scenarios,” states the release. The modular architecture is upgradeable and supports a variety of concepts of operation. “ASALTT is more than just new technology. It enables users to solve multiple critical problems with one solution,” said Gordon Stewart, general manager of Northrop Grumman’s Laser Systems business unit.
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.