The Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a contract worth up to $21.9 million to provide planning for mission integration and software development approaches for the ground-based processing segment on the Alternative Infrared Satellite System research and development program, according to a company release. The Air Force is pursuing AIRSS as an alternate to the Space-Based Infrared System satellite. Earlier this year, Northrop received a $24.8 million contract to define performance requirements.
The Air Force conducted its first successful test of the Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon, or ARRW, on May 14, snapping a streak of three consecutive failed tests and giving the beleaguered hypersonics program a much needed boost. Off the coast of Southern California, the AGM-183A ARRW separated from the wing…