"This rugged, easy-to-use, and cost-effective sensor system will provide military personnel with earlier warning and improved identification of potential threats. With its combination of fast and accurate detection, PICS will fill a key capability for the U.S. military," said Steve McCoy, Advanced Programs director.

"PICS is intended to alert Army commanders in a matter of milliseconds of the location of a potential ground-based threat launch to enable defensive systems to effectively neutralize the threat," he said.

Under the contract for the second phase of the program, Northrop Grumman will demonstrate 360-degree sensor coverage while on the move at the Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Ariz. The goal is to complete the PICS program with a Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6) system prototype. Northrop Grumman demonstrated a similar capability from a stationary location in a previous phase.

"The PICS program directly supports the Army's mission to equip America's warfighters with effective enemy situational awareness, targeting and electronic combat technology needed to ensure information dominance," said McCoy.

The 20-month, $6 million contract was awarded by the Army's Research, Development and Engineering Command Communications-Electronics Research Development and Engineering Center as part of the Intelligence and Information Warfare Directorate. The Army has the option to exercise an additional three-year contract valued at $17 million to continue development.

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