NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center has awarded a multi-year contract to Northrop Grumman Corporation's Integrated Systems Division of San Diego for engineering and technical services in support of the center's planned operation of two Global Hawk space aircraft.

The indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, sole-source contract is for a five-year period with a value not to exceed $25 million. The agreement covers the period from Aug. 6, 2008 through Aug. 5, 2013.

The contract supports Dryden's planned operation of the two aircraft, their associated ground control station and related systems. Technical assistance will include analysis, design support for unique systems, simulations, software development and engineering, and operational and manufacturing support as needed.

Dryden will use the autonomously operated unmanned aircraft for space missions supporting NASA's Science Mission Directorate and the Earth science community that need high-altitude, long-endurance, long-distance airborne capability.

The two pre-production Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration aircraft were recently transferred to Dryden from the U.S. Air Force, which had no further requirement for the craft.

Labels: NASA Awards Global Hawk Support Contract