motors , medium caliber ammunition , composite components and end items and fuze and electronics equipment . The highly skilled team also supports national security efforts by developing and building defense systems for DOD customers and U . S . allies .
Northrop Grumman at ABL is unique in that it is the only company in the defense industry to bring four key technologies — metals , electronics , composites and energetics — together on one campus .
“ Northrop Grumman employs approximately 1,600 Ph . Ds ., scientists , engineers , technicians and hourly workers who work side by side on integrated product teams solving problems in real time ,” says Steven Weiss , ABL site lead and director of the tactical propulsion and ordnance operating unit for Northrop Grumman . “ We produce thousands of precision parts each day ranging from tooling to medium and large caliber ammunition to motor cases for next-generation missiles .”
The ABL is made up of more than 1 million square feet of manufacturing space spread over 1,600 acres . It supports more than 100 competitively awarded production contracts that aid U . S . warfighters ’ mission . The work performed at the ABL each day directly supports the warfighter ’ s edge and safety in the battlespace , according to Weiss . This includes products like the insensitive munitions rocket motors for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System program , which enhances safety and limits collateral damage , and the HELLFIRE Rocket Motor that propels HELLFIRE missiles . This part is currently used on dozens of platforms , including helicopters , unmanned aircraft , land combat vehicles and combat ships , across the world .
According to Weiss , manufacturing these components requires the ABL team to be in lock step with its customer base to produce exceptional products with an incredible breadth of capabilities in one place . This objective has kept the company on an upward trajectory for growth .
Earlier this year , Northrop Grumman announced the construction of a new , 113,000-square-foot facility in West Virginia that will increase its capacity
with the defense industry and support long-term growth . The missile integration facility will be a factory of the future designed to meet increasing demand by investing in adaptable manufacturing techniques . It is scheduled to be completed in 2024 , and , once finished , will be able to support 600 missile strikes per year .
Pratt & Whitney Engine Services
With aircraft engines used in both civil and military aviation , Pratt & Whitney is a well-known name . Pratt & Whitney Engine Services in Bridgeport , WV , performs maintenance , repair and overhaul ( MRO ) for several models of Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines , including the iconic PT6A turboprop engine that powers the Texan II trainer aircraft — hundreds of which are in use throughout the U . S . military .
“ The PT6A is also used to power certain tactical aircraft that the military relies upon for missions such as reconnaissance ,” says Director Tim Tucker . “ Additionally , the facility also services JT15D , PW300 and PW500 engines
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