Original Date: 05/01/2000
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Environmental testing at Northrop Grumman Defensive Systems Division (DSD) is used to simulate and evaluate the effects of vibration, temperature, stress, altitude, shock, humidity, and corrosion. In 1995, the company added industrial testing to its services. While these capabilities were all initially developed to support military products, they were recently expanded to include commercial clientele. The commercial client services now amount to approximately 25% of the system’s capacity. The range of commercial clients include aircraft, industrial electronics, industrial electrical, consumer electronics, and the automotive industries.

Northrop Grumman DSD’s partnerships with commercial industry has brought professional as well as business progress. The company has implemented improved test documentation, maintenance scheduling, and formal equipment procedures to achieve full commercial accreditation levels. These improvements have been attested via ISO certifications and by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation. The accreditations also include a variety of electrical and chemical tests and analyses.

Not only have Northrop Grumman DSD’s services been improved through commercial exposure, but they have also contributed as unique independent testing capabilities to customers in the Chicago region. Industrial testing fills the gaps in work schedules, improves cash flow, and cuts overhead expenses by providing additional contract work for non-traditional customers. Additional details are available on the company’s website at http://sensor.northgrum.com/esss/dsdlab.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.