Northrop Grumman's Next Generation Automatic Test Station (NGATS) program passed a key milestone with the successful conclusion of the U.S. Army's formal Product Verification Test (PVT).

A mobile, rapidly deployable and reconfigurable general purpose Automatic Test System suite, NGATS provides unit-level through depot-level maintenance testing and screening of complex electronic and electro-optical weapon systems.

During six weeks of testing, NGATS surpassed numerous PVT requirements, including field duration and stated mean time between system aborts.

The testing was conducted at the Huntsville, Ala., facility of DRS Test and Energy Management, Northrop Grumman's strategic partner for the NGATS program. All tests were monitored by the Army's Product Director, Test Diagnostic Measurement Equipment program office based at Redstone Arsenal, Ala.

"The product verification test success provides further evidence that NGATS offers a distinct advantage in ease of use, increased throughput and transportability," said Kay Burch, vice president, communications, intelligence and networking solutions for Northrop Grumman's Land and Self Protection Systems Division.

"Through advanced user interfaces, faster testing processes, and the ability to easily transport the system, NGATS will help ensure that our warfighting customer's equipment is as ready for battle as they are."

Northrop Grumman received its NGATS contract to procure eight (8) LRIP units in 2010 from the U.S. Army's Program Executive Office for Combat Support and Combat Service Support. Under the terms of the contract, Northrop Grumman will commence NGATS deliveries later this year and will continue through 2012.