The reprogramming tool was introduced during a recent training class held at the company's Rolling Meadows, Ill., facility where the ALQ-135M is produced. The four-week class included discussion on overall operation of the ALQ-135M system, instructions on how to input data into the reprogramming tool to program system functions and hands-on programming exercises.

The ALQ-135 "M" configuration improves on heritage ALQ-135 systems by replacing multiple processors with a new PowerPC -based system that offers significant speed and memory enhancements. The ALQ-135M also makes use of sophisticated microwave power-module transmitter technology to reduce weight and boost performance.

"The In-Country Reprogramming Tool gives the South Korea Air Force the invaluable ability to create, modify and maintain mission data and to produce mission data files," said Ev Pratt, vice president of radar frequency and combat information systems at Northrop Grumman's Defensive Systems Division.

"It also allows them to customize all the features and capabilities of the ALQ-135M to their own unique requirements."

Northrop Grumman is under contract to Boeing to provide training in support of In-Country Reprogramming Tool delivery later this year.

So far, the company has delivered more than 25 percent of production hardware under a 40-aircraft procurement of the ALQ-135M for use aboard South Korea's F-15K, the latest version of the fighter aircraft that began flight testing in early March.

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