Northrop begins production of array sensor for E-7 aircraft

The sensor supplies 360-degree situational awareness and flexibility to adapt to missions and environments in all weather conditions, according to a Northrop announcement made on 20 March.

Northrop Grumman airborne surveillance programs vice-president Ed Griebel said the sensor is suited for use by the US Air Force with simultaneous air and maritime sensing capabilities, critical early warning, and air battle management capabilities.

“The multifunction MESA sensor will provide the US Air Force with critical multi-domain awareness to enable decision superiority for the range of mission requirements today and into the future” he said.

“As we fulfill our promise to the Air Force to rapidly bring unmatched, decisive air battle management sensing capabilities including long range first detect and first engagement in the battlespace, we look forward to enabling global allied interoperability in partnership with Boeing.”

E-7 aircraft are entering production in the United Kingdom and are also operated by Australia, Turkey, and South Korea.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.