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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
Northrop Grumman Demonstrates Mobile Broadband Wireless Capability in UK Public Safety Network Trial
London - Northrop Grumman Corporation
(NYSE:NOC) has successfully completed a public safety network trial in
the UK, aimed at demonstrating how mobile broadband wireless technology
can help improve the responsiveness of the emergency services.
The trial, held in collaboration with NextWave Wireless and led
by the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA), demonstrated how a
mobile broadband network could increase security, help the police force
respond faster to emergency services, and enable real-time transmission
of time-sensitive crime scene forensics.
"This is a robust, secure, broadband mobile wireless
communications solution that has the potential to significantly
streamline and improve both emergency and normal daily public safety
operations," said Tom Afferton, director of wireless engineering for
Northrop Grumman's Information Technology sector. "The trial builds on
our successful New York City wireless project and demonstrates the
benefits of providing emergency services responders with real-time
mobile access to critical information in the field."
The 2007 trial in Lewes, hosted by Sussex Police, used a mobile
broadband network powered by TD-CDMA technology from NextWave Wireless.
The Universal Mobile Telecommunications System standards-based mobile
broadband wireless technology delivers the broadband mobility, high
capacity, reliability, and scalability required to meet the real-time,
fail-safe demands of a public safety network.
"Northrop Grumman's experience of building wireless networks and
our systems integration expertise puts us in an excellent position to
meet the needs for this important area of technology development," said
Graham Thornton, managing director for Northrop Grumman in the UK. "We
look forward to continuing to work with the NPIA in developing ways of
improving the responsiveness of the emergency services."
Initiated through the NPIA's mobile information program, the
trial allowed the Sussex Police to test the public safety solution
jointly developed by Northrop Grumman and NextWave Wireless in an
operational setting. The NPIA mobile information program encourages
police forces and private sector companies to work together to provide
solutions to policing challenges such as public order, neighborhood
policing, and investigations where mobile data can be valuable.
During the trial, the Sussex police used the mobile broadband
network successfully to transmit streaming video from fixed and
body-worn cameras and moving vehicles, even at speeds greater than 80
mph to the command station at police headquarters. The trial also
showed the value of high-speed mobile broadband in vehicle pursuits and
in potential arrest scenarios. Using the mobile broadband network,
Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) databases in police cars can
be continuously updated in real time ensuring that those on the front
line have the most accurate information at all times.
Sussex Police also created simulated crime scenes to demonstrate
how the mobile broadband network could serve the police in managing
multiple crime scene investigations remotely in real time using live
video feeds and the rapid transmission of forensic evidence.
Northrop Grumman designed the overall solution and provided
project management, system integration services and technical support
for applications including CCTV cameras, shoulder-mounted video
cameras, tablet PCs, an ANPR camera and database control room
facilities.
NextWave Wireless supplied the TD-CDMA Node Bs base stations and
related core equipment and provided installation, commissioning, and
project management support services.
Northrop Grumman has more than 50 years of experience designing,
integrating, and operating some of the world's most complex and secure
communications systems. It provided the core systems integration for
the Airwave Service, the secure digital radio network dedicated for the
use of the UK's emergency and public safety services and with NextWave
Wireless is delivering New York City's public safety wireless broadband
network.
Northrop Grumman in the UK operates from primary locations at
Chester, Coventry, Fareham, New Malden, Peterborough, RAF Waddington
and Solihull, providing avionics, communications, electronic warfare
systems, marine navigation systems, robotics, C4ISR solutions and
mission planning, IT systems and software development.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology
company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products,
and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and
shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.
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