Office of Naval Research gives Northrop Grumman $1.75 million contract to develop a new magnetometer

Northrop Grumman Corporation has been selected by the Office of Naval Research to develop a new cost-effective atom-based magnetic sensor, or magnetometer, for antisubmarine warfare operations. The highly sensitive magnetometer will be part of a magnetic anomaly detection system mounted on helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles or submarines. The magnetometer will sense disturbances in the earth's magnetic field due to metallic objects in the vicinity, indicating a nearby submarine, both in the air above the ocean or underwater. Northrop Grumman is being tasked to develop a magnetometer that is smaller, lighter and more accurate than current magnetic sensor technologies, under a three-year $1.75 million contract. The magnetometer's small size will consume less power than its predecessors, making it more affordable and efficient.