Northrop Grumman Orders F-35 Test Equipment from Kitron

Northrop Grumman has ordered a $2 million test program set from Kitron AS to evaluate the avionics system of the Lockheed Martin-built F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter.

Kitron will develop interface test assemblies that work with Lockheed Martin’s LM-STAR test system under the four-year contract, Kitron said Monday.

Northrop will use the test suite to troubleshoot the L-band preselector line replaceable units module within the F-35’s communication, navigation and identification avionics system.

The avionics suite incorporates software-defined radio technology for simultaneous operation of multiple functions.

Kitron will also work to manufacture and repair subassemblies for the F-35 avionics system under a separate agreement with Northrop Grumman.