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CANBERRA, Australia, April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE: NOC) effort to increase innovative thinking in engineering and technology among today's youth, the company is sponsoring the 2014 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Outback Challenge competition in Australia.

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Students participating in the UAV Challenge are required to design, build and fly a UAV capable of conducting search and rescue operations or delivering life-saving supplies to a ficticious lost or injured individual, known as Outback Joe. The company is also continuing a partnership with Dickson College to mentor students in developing their own UAV to participate in the competition.

"Australia is a country of innovators and we see UAV applications in areas of environmental monitoring, humanitarian relief, search and rescue and disaster relief operation, not just defence," said Ian Irving, chief executive for Australia, Northrop Grumman Corporation. "By sponsoring and mentoring our youth in better understanding UAV technologies, we're helping motivate them to be the country's future engineers, scientists and technicians."

Northrop Grumman participates in a number of educational programs in countries around the world that are aimed at promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

"We are delighted to have the ongoing support of Northrop Grumman through a formal partnership with the College," said Kerrie Heath, principal of Dickson College. "Industry Education Partnerships are very important as they enable us to provide hands-on and cutting-edge programs with access to industry mentors."

Northrop Grumman and Northrop Grumman Foundation are committed to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs preschool through collegiate levels, with a major emphasis on middle school students and teachers. Northrop Grumman employees actively volunteer in support of many STEM organizations in their communities and internationally.

In 2013, Northrop Grumman and the Northrop Grumman Foundation continued outreach efforts by contributing approximately $23 million to diverse STEM-related groups such as the Air Force Association (CyberPatriot), Conservation International (ECO Classroom), the REC Foundation (VEX Robotics) and the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering.

About the UAV Outback Challenge
The UAV Challenge promotes the significance of UAVs to Australia. The event is a joint government, industry and research organization initiative between the Queensland government, the Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation, Aviation Development Australia and the Associations for Unmanned Vehicle Systems Australia. Please visit http://www.uavoutbackchallenge.com.au for more information.

About Dickson College
Dickson College is a year 11 and 12 public school located in Canberra, Australia. The school offers a wide range of learning opportunities including industry focused science, engineering and technology programs. Please visit www.dicksonc.act.edu.au for more information.

About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

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SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation