Northrop Grumman Systems Corp signed the lease with NCR Corp. for space at 17095 Via Del Campo. Insignia/ESG Senior Managing Director Hunt Barnett was the lead broker representing Northrop Grumman and was supported by a team of CB Richard Ellis brokers. Lynn La Chappelle from Burnham Real Estate represented NCR Corp.

The new offices are near Northrop Grumman's 240,000-sf Aircraft Combat Systems Unit facility. The expansion was prompted by the resounding success of the Global Hawk, a high-altitude unmanned aerial reconnaissance system which provided critical support to combat operations in Afghanistan. The aerospace and defense firm has launched plans to further enhance the highly-advanced aircraft.

The Rancho Bernardo facility will accommodate the design and integration of the Global Hawk Advanced Technology Demonstrator, which is in initial production for the U.S. Air Force, according to Insignia/ESG. The Navy is procuring two Global Hawk systems to explore the potential for maritime surveillance capabilities.