Northrop Grumman Corp. said Tuesday that it plans to take a charge of up to $360 million on its first-quarter earnings because delivery of an amphibious assault ship will be delayed.

The Los Angeles-based defense and government contractor estimated that the charge will be between 61 cents and 69 cents per share. Northrop is due to report its first quarter earnings later this month.

The charge is likely to be a big one for Northrop. Its net income in the first quarter last year was $387 million.

The ship, called the LHD-8, will now be delivered in the second quarter of 2009 instead of the end of this year, Northrop said adding that a review identified the need for a “substantial rework” on the ship.

“In its current state, the ship does not meet our quality standards and it will not be delivered until it does,” Chief Executive Ronald Sugar said in the statement.

Shares in Northrop were down 4.1 percent top $73.73 in early trading Tuesday.