Northrop Grumman will develop its Viper Strike as a stand-off munition for release from the AC-130 gunships of the US Special Operations Command (Socom).

Northrop Grumman will develop its Viper Strike as a stand-off munition for release from the AC-130 gunships of the US Special Operations Command (Socom). Under the terms of the $ 22 million contract, with potential value of up to $ 48.6 million, Northrop Grumman will demonstrate the use of the Viper Strike from the gunship, then begin development of operations concepts as well as launcher and battle-management systems. This first phase is scheduled to be completed by December 2006.