Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Abundance: How We Build a Better Future’
Trouble in Your Tank: In Complex Systems, Design Rules Aren’t Optional
It’s Only Common Sense: The Phone Is Still Your Competitive Advantage
Northrop Grumman Donates Retired Test Aircraft to Maryland’s Anne Arundel County Public Schools
December 10, 2019 | Northrop GrummanEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
A Sabreliner jet operated by Northrop Grumman for decades as an aerial detection and characterization target for radar development has been given another chance to serve.
The aircraft was built in 1972 and retired from the company’s Baltimore-based flight test fleet in 2018. But instead of being scrapped, the twin-engine, mid-size jet has been donated to Maryland’s Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) for use as an aviation training aid.
The aircraft will now reside at Tipton Airport near Fort Meade to support AACPS’ new Aviation Maintenance Technician program for high school students pursuing formal certification in airframe or power plant maintenance.
“This particular Sabreliner has both historical significance to Northrop Grumman and practical applications as a training aid for AACPS—so its preservation is a win-win for us and the county,” said Jeanie Wade, vice president, operations, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. “N160W has played a role in every significant Northrop Grumman air-to-air and surface-to-air radar development program for the past 30 years. We’re glad to see AACPS adopt it to train the next generation of aviation technicians.”
Northrop Grumman operated two Sabreliners, which started their careers as former Westinghouse executive transport aircraft before being repurposed as flight test assets. They were part of Northrop Grumman’s fleet of modified commercial aircraft used for hardware and software development.
The second “Silver Sabreliner” (N168W) was heavily modified to fly F-16 fighter aircraft radars for the U.S. and its allies, from the AN/APG-66/68 up to the new AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar. Distinguishable by its metallic airframe, the aircraft moved to permanent display at the National Electronics Museum in November.
“The aviation industry continues to break barriers in the skies both for military and commercial applications,” said George Arlotto, Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent. “Our students want to be a part of that innovation, we want to help them be a part of it, and our partnership with Northrop Grumman and Tipton Airport is a key part of making that a reality. Our students thrive when we and our partners provide opportunity and access.”
A ceremony marking the transfer of aircraft N160W to AACPS was held on Dec. 9 at the Northrop Grumman flight test facility in Linthicum, Maryland. The two Sabreliners had been a common sight in the sky over Maryland until their retirement, but the baton has now passed to a newer fleet of test bed aircraft now supporting Northrop Grumman’s radar development work.
Story by James Drew, Northrop Grumman.
Share on:
Subscribe
Stay ahead of the technologies shaping the future of electronics with our latest newsletter, Advanced Electronics Packaging Digest. Get expert insights on advanced packaging, materials, and system-level innovation, delivered straight to your inbox.
Subscribe now to stay informed, competitive, and connected.
Suggested Items
The Right Approach: The End of an Era—DoD Proposes MIL-PRF-31032 Cancellation
04/21/2026 | Steve Williams -- Column: The Right ApproachThe Defense Logistics Agency has initiated formal proceedings to cancel the military's primary performance specification for printed circuit boards, a move that could reshape how the U.S. defense industrial base qualifies and sources one of its most critical electronic components. On March 4, 2026, DLA Weapons Support issued a memorandum to military and industry coordination activities announcing that MIL-PRF-31032, along with its six associated specification sheets, has been proposed for cancellation. A 30-day comment period was allotted, with concurrence or comments due by April 3, 2026.
Northrop Grumman Delivers GPS-Jamming-Resistant Airborne Navigation System
04/20/2026 | Northrop GrummanNorthrop Grumman delivered the first production unit of the EGI-M navigation system, designed to provide military users with accurate positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) data.
Lockheed Martin Wins $105M U.S. Space Force Contract for GPS Ground Control Upgrade
04/20/2026 | Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin has been awarded a contract worth up to $105 million by the U.S. Space Force to continue modernizing and sustaining the Global Positioning System (GPS) ground control network.
EMI Promotes David Vue to Lead Military and Aerospace Division
03/31/2026 | Express Manufacturing Inc.Express Manufacturing, Inc. (EMI), a global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider, announced the promotion of David Vue to Military and Aerospace Division Manager.
Mobix Labs Secures Significant U.S. Navy Tomahawk Missile Component Order as Production Accelerates
03/04/2026 | BUSINESS WIREMobix Labs, Inc., a provider of 5G mmWave, defense, and aerospace components, today announced receipt of a significant production purchase order for components used in the U.S. Navy’s Tomahawk cruise missile program.