In May 1994 Grumman and Northrop merged
to form Northrop Grumman Corporation. Two of the five
main divisions are Commercial Aircraft, to construct
aerostructures and components for the commercial aircraft
of other companies and engines, and Military Aircraft
Systems, working on B-2 and all other Northrop Grumman
aircraft production and modernization programs, and principal subcontractor to Boeing on Hornet. Delivered
21 B-2A Spirit stealth bombers, achieving initial operational
capability with the USAF in April 1997 and full
capability with the 715th Bomb Squadron in 1999. Undertakes
F-5/T-38 modernization, F-14 work, EA-6B Prowler
remanufacturing, production of E-2C Hawkeye in latest
Hawkeye 2000 form (first flown April 1998; see Grumman
entry for earlier development and production of E-2),
and production of E-8C Joint STARS as joint USAF and
U.S. Army co-operation program for an airborne surveillance
and target acquisition system (first flown August
1995 for first production E-8C).
