NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Dec. 02, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Newport News sector held a christening ceremony on Nov. 19 for its submarine model concept called Newport News Experimental Model 1 (NNemo 1). NNemo 1 is a scaled, radio-controlled model of Newport News' advanced hull-form concept submarine design. Testing of NNemo 1 will take place in December, and the data gathered will help predict full-scale ship performance in making turns, verifying dynamic stability and allowing the development of emergency recovery procedures.
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The Newport News sector designed NNemo 1 through independent research and development. The design is based on innovative pressure-hull technologies, structural materials and electric propulsion systems developed at Newport News to operate and maneuver the submarine in shallower water. The Naval Surface Warfare Center -- Carderock Division provided general design guidance.
"What we learn from this project will help us design future generation submarines that will be safe for the crew while remaining highly effective, warfighting platforms," said Walt Floyd, manager, Submarine Technology, Northrop Grumman Newport News. "We're looking forward to NNemo's journey and the contributions it will provide to the future of submarine warfare."
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 Autonomous Underwater Vehicles. Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems and Integrated Systems sectors 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.
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