As it evolves the AN/SLQ-32(V)7 system as an anti-missile defense for the U.S. Navy, Northrop Grumman is now looking to Quantic Wenzel to supply key electronic assemblies based on its low-phase-noise crystal-oscillator technology. The Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 3 system (see figure) is being developed by Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Navy Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) to add electronic-attack (EA) capabilities to the AN/SLQ-32 electronic-warfare (EW) system for defense against anti-ship missiles.
Crystal Oscillators Key to SEWIP Program
Northrop Grumman was awarded the follow-on production contract for the upgraded SEWIP Block 3 systems by the U.S. Navy in September 2020. The program is managed by the U.S. Navy Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS). Quantic Wenzel, a long-time supplier of extremely stable, low-phase-noise crystal oscillators and other RF/microwave components and integrated assemblies, has been selected as a supplier for the multiple-year program.
According to Greg Peacock, Director of Operations at Quantic Wenzel, “Many of us at Quantic Wenzel, including myself, have served or continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. As such, we are proud to engineer and manufacture products that will help Northrop Grumman and the DoD keep our service members safe.” He added: “Our expertise is rooted in programs like SEWIP Block 3. Since 1978, customers like Northrop Grumman have trusted us to research, design, and deliver innovative solutions with industry leading performance.”