Northrop Grumman Awarded Nearly $200M Contract for FMU-139D/B Fuze
ROCKET CENTER, W.Va. – On October 31, 2024, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announced it has been awarded a 3-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at $197.5 million by the United States Navy. This contract will facilitate the continued manufacturing of the FMU-139D/B fuze for use by the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and several allied nations.
- The FMU-139D/B is an advanced electronic fuze system, developed to eliminate nearly all mechanical components. It serves as the successor to three previous legacy bomb fuzes: FMU-139 C/B, FMU-152, and FMU-143.
- The scope of the contract also encompasses options for D-1, D-2, and D-5 trainer fuzes, along with various accessories for the FMU-139D/B.
- Manufacturing of the FMU-139D/B Fuze will take place at the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia, utilizing an innovative process that is over 70% automated.
This cutting-edge electronic “smart” general-purpose bomb fuze is designed to effectively penetrate enemy structures requiring high-velocity impact performance. By minimizing mechanical components, the electronic fuzes enhance functional reliability under demanding impact conditions. The Department of Defense has undertaken extensive testing, conducting over 50 sled tests to ensure the FMU-139D/B fulfills the stringent operational requirements of the warfighter.
Expert Insight:
Frank DeMauro, Vice President of Weapon Systems at Northrop Grumman, stated, “These electronic fuzes, produced with automated technologies, ensure that safety is the underlying foundation – safety built into the design, safety in manufacturing, and safety for the warfighter. With over 100,000 of these fuzes delivered, we continue to make investments in sophisticated fuzes to help ensure U.S. warfighters and their allies are equipped with the best tools to complete their missions.”
Northrop Grumman stands as a premier global aerospace and defense technology firm. Its pioneering solutions empower customers to connect and protect the world and advance the frontiers of human exploration across the universe. With a shared mission to solve the most challenging problems in defense, its employees strive to redefine what is possible every day.
Source: Northrop Grumman (2024-10-31T00:00:00Z)
