Lockheed Tests New Laser Against Rockets, UAVs

Lockheed Martin Demonstrates New Ground-Based Laser System In Tests Against Rockets and Unmanned Aerial System

SUNNYVALE, Calif. --- Lockheed Martin today announced that it has successfully demonstrated a portable, ground-based military laser system in a series of tests against representative airborne targets. Lockheed Martin developed the Area Defense Anti-Munitions (ADAM) system to provide a defense against short-range threats, such as rockets and unmanned aerial systems.

Since August, the ADAM system has successfully engaged an unmanned aerial system target in flight at a range of approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) and has destroyed four small-caliber rocket targets in simulated flight at a range of approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles).

"Lockheed Martin has invested in the development of the ADAM system because of the enormous potential effectiveness of high-energy lasers," said Doug Graham, Lockheed Martin's vice president of advanced programs for Strategic and Missile Defense Systems. "We are committed to supporting the transition of directed energy's revolutionary capability to the war fighter."

Lockheed to start work on USAF's GEO 4 and 5 satellites

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract to start initial work on the US Air Force's (USAF) fifth and sixth space-based infrared system (SBIRS) geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellites.

Valued at $82m, the initial contract represents the first of three GEO-5 and 6 satellite acquisition phases, and covers completion of non-recurring engineering activities and purchase of select long lead spacecraft parts by the company to help supplier production lines offer the lowest possible price for each component.

Procurement of the remaining long lead parts, as well as satellite production, is scheduled to be subsequently funded by the second and third acquisition phases under a fixed-price contract scheme.

Lockheed Martin Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) mission area vice president Jeff Smith said the contract will support a steady production rate and will significantly reduce the programme costs as the air force is procuring satellites in bulk, as opposed to one at a time.

''We understand both the importance of the SBIRS mission and the weight of the current fiscal environment - and we are committed to delivering mission success affordably and efficiently for the Air Force,'' Smith said.

The SBIRS satellites are designed to provide timely and accurate warning for missile launches to the US government, using a combination of four GEO satellites, two highly elliptical earth (HEO) payloads, as well as related ground hardware and software.

Lockheed Martin working with Mitsubishi on F-35 line

Lockheed Martin is working with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries on a local final assembly and checkout line for the F-35.
The first Japanese-produced F-35 is scheduled to roll off Mitsubishi's Nagoya line in 2017, says John Balderson, director of Japan F-35 business development for Lockheed Martin.
"We are greatly honoured that Japan chose the F-35," he adds, speaking to Flightglobal on the sidelines of the Japan Aerospace show in Nagoya. "We have tremendous faith in their industry."
Last December, Tokyo selected the F-35 in its F-X competition for 42 aircraft to replace its obsolescent McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantoms. The stealthy type won the bid against competitors Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Tokyo's first four aircraft, however, will be delivered from Lockheed Martin's main F-35 line in Forth Worth, Texas.

US Navy’s F-35C aircraft complete additional flying qualities test

The US Navy's two Lockheed Martin-built F-35C Lightning II carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) have successfully conducted additional flying qualities test at Atlantic Test Ranges.

Designated as CF-1 and CF-2, the two test aircraft were piloted by navy lieutenant commander Michael Burks and Peter Kosogorin of BAE respectively during the test, to provide and validate data on handling characteristics capabilities.

Lockheed is currently developing the stealthy, supersonic multi-role F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Lightning II aircraft, which has been undergoing flight tests since late 2006.

The aircraft is being developed in three variants, a carrier variant (CV) for the US Navy, conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant for the US Air Force, and a short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft for the US Marine Corps and UK Royal Navy.

Lockheed receives USAF Sniper ATP sustainment contract

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract to continue sustainment support for the US Air Force's (USAF) Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) fleet for a period of five years, starting from September 2012.

Under the terms of the $152m contract, the company will provide legacy sniper pod sustainment support to Warner Robins Air Force Base, located in Georgia, US.

Lockheed will also provide engineering support, initial line replaceable unit spares, support equipment and pod containers over the next five-years.

Ashlie Payne, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control business sniper programme manager, said the contract will play a significant role in continuing Sniper pod sustainment for the USAF without generating a gap in providing support to soldiers.

''Through collaboration with Warner Robins, legacy Sniper ATP pods will continue to excel in providing aircrews with unmatched targeting capability,'' Payne added.

Lockheed was previously delivering Sniper ATP sustainment support to the Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, US.

Lockheed Martin’s PAC-3 Missile Successfully Intercepts Tactical Ballistic Missile Target During Test

Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] PAC-3 Missile successfully destroyed a tactical ballistic missile (TBM) target today at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., in an Operational Test conducted by the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command. 
The test involved three incoming targets; two Patriot-As-A-Target TBMs and one MQM-107 drone. A ripple launch of two PAC-3 Missiles successfully engaged the second TBM. Preliminary data indicate all test objectives were achieved.

AGM-114R Multi-Purpose HELLFIRE® II

The precision-strike AGM-114R multi-purpose HELLFIRE II consolidates the capabilities of all previous HELLFIRE II variants equipped with semi-active laser (SAL) seekers into a single missile that defeats a broad range of targets.

It can be launched from multiple air, sea and ground platforms, autonomously or with remote designation.

A new multi-purpose warhead enables the AGM-114R HELLFIRE II to neutralize a broad target set previously requiring multiple HELLFIRE warhead variants from armor and air defense systems to patrol boats and enemy combatants in buildings, open areas, SUVs or caves. The missile may be  employed by lock-on before launch (LOBL) or lock-on after launch (LOAL) for increased platform survivability. Its multi-mission, multi-target capability with precision-strike lethality provides field commanders maximum operational flexibility.

The multi-purpose HELLFIRE II supports integration with all HELLFIRE II-compatible platforms, including rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, ground-based tripods, ground vehicles and boats. Its new inertial measurement unit (IMU) provides a wide engagement zone to properly equipped platforms, enabling them to fire upon targets to the side and behind them.

Lockheed Martin contract for U.S. Army JLTV Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase.

Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] received a $65 million contract from the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps to continue developing the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) through the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase.

The Lockheed Martin team optimized a JLTV model already proven in government testing to create its EMD design. The production-enhanced JLTV maintains the proven force protection, mobility, transportability and reliability of the earlier Technology Demonstration (TD) model, while significantly reducing weight and cost. The team’s JLTV design reflects improvements from more than 160,000 combined testing miles.

"We are extremely pleased to announce the selection of the Lockheed Martin JLTV design as one of three mature vehicles selected to enter the Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase of the JLTV Program,” said Col. David Bassett, project manager at the JLTV Joint Program Office. “We are confident that the Lockheed Martin team, along with the other two selected vehicles, are ready to demonstrate their ability to meet and exceed our requirements, deliver vehicles on schedule, and achieve the manufacturing and sustainment costs necessary to compete effectively for production."

Formed in 2005, the Lockheed Martin-led JLTV team includes tactical wheeled vehicles expertise at BAE Systems in Sealy, Texas, which is an industry leader in advanced armor solutions and high volume assembly. The team also includes numerous Tier 1 suppliers, including: Allison Transmission, Cummins Engine, L3 Combat Propulsion Systems, Meritor Defense, Robert Bosch LLC and Vehma International of America.

Lockheed Martin to Authorize Canada's Cascade Aerospace

ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia | Lockheed Martin announced Aug. 14 at the 50th anniversary Abbotsford International Air Show that Cascade Aerospace will be authorized as a C-130 Heavy Maintenance Center (HMC) - only the second such center in the world. Cascade is currently a Hercules Service Center (HSC) and conducts in-service support for Canada's legacy CC-130 and new CC-130J fleets.

"During its time as an existing Hercules maintainer, Cascade has demonstrated it has both the capability and process integrity to be certified as a C-130 Heavy Maintenance Center," said George Shultz, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager for C-130 programs. "As we see worldwide interest in C-130 support expand, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that qualified and experienced companies support the Hercules community. Cascade is dedicated to supporting Canada's CC-130 fleet and authorizing its role as an HMC provider is a natural step in our overall partnership."

8x8 Armored Modular Vehicle

                                 Havoc 8x8 Armored Modular Vehicle

Combat Proven Protection
The 8x8 Armored Modular Vehicle is combat proven, saving lives in Afghanistan today. With over 1,200 vehicles on order in more than six countries, the 8x8 is protecting a wide range of warfighters deployed in both combat and peacekeeping missions. The modular ballistic protection system can protect against a variety of ballistic threats, from high blast force levels to large-caliber kinetic threats.
Operationally Validated Performance
The 8x8’s superior performance is proven, validated by over 1.2 million miles of operational and combat experience and 63,000 miles of independent customer testing.
The Havoc 8x8’s high performance power pack and independent hydro-pneumatic suspension provides superior mobility at full combat weight. The 8x8 features expeditionary attributes giving it fully amphibious capabilities. It can swim at sea state 2 and negotiate inland water obstacles without any configuration changes. The 8x8 can combine the highest levels of protection with heavy weapon systems without degrading tactical and operational mobility.

Lockheed Martin receives U.S. Marine Corps contract for Havoc 8x8 APC vehicle study and demo.

Underscoring the company’s ability to deliver cost effective ground vehicle solutions, Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] received a $3.5 million contract from the U.S. Marine Corps to test and validate the company’s Havoc 8x8 vehicle as part of the Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC) program.

During an eight-month evaluation period, the U.S. Marine Corps will verify human factors and amphibious capabilities of Lockheed Martin’s vehicle at the Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Related protection evaluations will occur at the Nevada Automotive Test Center in Carson City, Nev.
“Our Havoc 8x8 is a low-risk, combat-proven solution that is in service with six countries and manufactured on multiple, active production lines,” said Scott Greene, vice president of ground vehicles in Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control business.

Lockheed Martin receives a contract to produce THAAD missile system for United States Army.

Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has been awarded a $150 million contract from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to produce Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System launchers and fire control and communications equipment for the United States Army. 

 The contract includes 12 launchers, two fire control and communications units, and associated support equipment. This contract will provide six launchers for THAAD Battery 5 and an additional three launchers each to Batteries 1 and 2. These deliveries will bring all Batteries to the standard six launcher configuration. Ground hardware from this award will be delivered to Fort Bliss, Texas. A production contract for the first two Batteries was awarded to Lockheed Martin in late 2006. Contracts for Batteries 3 and 4 were awarded in 2011.

“THAAD brings advanced hit-to-kill technology to the warfighter combined with ease of operation designed into the system,” said Mat Joyce, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and program manager for the THAAD Weapon System. “Our focus remains squarely on program execution so we can meet the delivery needs of our U.S. Army customer.”

MEADS Multifunction Fire Control Radar Finishes Integration and Test Events At Italian Test Range

ORLANDO/MUNICH/ROME, Aug. 14, 2012 – The first Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) Multifunction Fire Control Radar (MFCR) has been integrated with a MEADS battle manager and launcher at Pratica di Mare Air Force Base near Rome, Italy.

The objectives of the integration test series were to demonstrate that the MEADS TOC could control the MEADS MFCR in coordination with the MEADS Launcher.

At Pratica di Mare, the MFCR demonstrated key functionalities including 360-degree target acquisition and track using both dedicated flights and other air traffic.

MEADS International President Dave Berganini said, “The MEADS MFCR combines extraordinary capability and cost effectiveness. It can detect and track advanced threats with 360-degree coverage and no blind spots. Unlike fielded radars, it is highly mobile and C-130 transportable.”

The MFCR has been airlifted to White Sands Missile Range, N.M., in preparation for an intercept flight test later this year.

F-35 Milestone – Stealth Fighter Successfully Drops Bomb While in Flight

Lockheed Martin’s F-35 successfully released a weapon while airborne, the first time the stealth fighter has dropped a bomb while in flight.

The test, using an inert 1,000 lb. GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), was done Wednesday, Stephen O’Bryan, Lockheed’s Vice president for F-35 program integration, told Defence Watch.

“It is a big deal and it speaks to the maturity and growing maturity of the system,” he said.

Traveling at 400 knots at an altitude of 4,200 feet, a short take-off and vertical landing F-35 variant, released the munition over water in an Atlantic test range.

“While this weapons separation test is just one event in a series of hundreds of flights and thousands of test points that we are executing this year, it does represent a significant entry into a new phase of testing for the F-35 program,” Navy Capt. Erik Etz, director of test for F-35 naval variants, said in a statement.

The release was the first time for any version of the F-35 to conduct an airborne weapon separation, as well as the first from an internal weapons bay for a fighter aircraft designated for the U.S. Marine Corps, the United Kingdom and Italy, the U.S. military noted.

“[Using an internal weapons bay] speaks to how much capability the JSF is going to bring to the troops,” Dan Levin, Lockheed Martin test pilot for the mission, said in a statement.

Lockheed Martin Procerus Technologies Unveils New Unmanned Quad Rotor Vertical Take-Off and Landing System

Lockheed Martin Procerus Technologies’ new small vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft system gives warfighters, first responders and others in small, cluttered, urban environments an eye-in-the-sky in just minutes.

The rugged, five-pound VTOL quad rotor, dual-sensor platform features an extended hover, perch and stare capability that provides military, civil and commercial customers with aerial reconnaissance in crowded areas unreachable by fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems. The VTOL’s gimbal mount includes electro-optical and infrared sensors and a laser illuminator to provide continuous 360-degree panning capability.

“We are leveraging years of experience in building small, innovative avionics and payload technologies to develop an affordable and efficient VTOL solution,” said Todd Titensor, senior manager of Lockheed Martin Procerus Technologies. “Our system is quiet, can operate day or night in challenging weather conditions and has longer operating time than other VTOL platforms.”

Equipped with the Lockheed Martin Procerus Technologies’ proven Kestrel 3 autopilot, the compact, lightweight VTOL can be deployed in minutes and operate for up to 40 minutes. The collapsible VTOL platform folds into a man-packable unit that requires no tools for assembly.

Lockheed Martin-ARINC Team Submit Bid for U.S. Air Force Rapid Deployment Air Traffic Control Radar System

Industry team Lockheed Martin and ARINC has submitted its proposal for a new, transportable air traffic control (ATC) radar system that will enable U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard units to quickly establish tactical military or disaster-relief airfield operations around the world.

Under its Deployable Radar Approach Control (D-RAPCON) program, the Air Force will procure 19 ATC surveillance radar systems, which can deploy within 48 hours worldwide by C-130 aircraft and take less than six hours to set up. The total program value is expected to be more than $400 million.

"Our bid carefully balances the service's need for off-the-shelf products that reduce risk in a budget constrained environment," said Greg Larioni, vice president of radar surveillance systems at Lockheed Martin's Mission Systems & Sensors business. "We have been designing and manufacturing transportable radars for decades with more than 100 systems deployed around the world today."

The Lockheed Martin-ARINC team's solution integrates field-proven systems, including Lockheed Martin's TPS-79 tactical surveillance radar and Microprocessor-En Route Automated Radar Tracking System (Micro-EARTS), and ARINC's transportable ATC operations shelter.

Lockheed Martin Completes JASSM F-15E Integration with Successful All-Up Round Flight Test

Lockheed Martin's Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) recently completed F-15E platform integration with a successful all-up round (AUR) flight test at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.

The successful AUR test marked the first time JASSM, or any missile, has been integrated onto a platform using the Universal Armament Interface (UAI). The U.S. Air Force initiated the UAI program with the goal of improving the integration cycle of new precision-guided munitions onto aircraft without changing each weapon and platform's operational flight program software. The Air Force Seek Eagle Office (AFSEO) led the F-15E Strike Eagle UAI integration efforts.

"It is a significant accomplishment to integrate JASSM onto a new aircraft," said Alan Jackson, JASSM program director in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business. "The F-15E is the sixth platform for this reliable and high-performing cruise missile. JASSM on the F-15E will enhance that tactical fighter's capabilities by broadening the range of options available to warfighters."

Launched at an altitude of 22,000 feet and a speed of Mach 0.85, JASSM navigated to and destroyed its intended target, meeting all mission success parameters during the test. These included demonstrating successful end-to-end JASSM capability on the F-15E and validating the missile operational flight software program written for the UAI.

F-35 At The Centre Of Lockheed Martin Strike

Lockheed Martin has found itself at the centre of a bitter union strike that shows no signs of simmering down.

      The machinists’ union officials filed a complaint against Lockheed Martin on June 6 claiming unfair labor practices. The move comes during a seven-week strike against the fighter aircraft maker.

      Since April 19, the day Lockheed Martin made its final contract offer, the union has filed six complaints with the National Labor Relations Board office in Fort Worth. The latest complaint says that the company moved the F-35 fighter jet work to Marietta, Ga., as a way of "interfering with, restraining and coercing" workers on strike in Fort Worth.

      "We want them to follow the law. They have been breaking the law," said Robert Wood, spokesman for District Lodge 776 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

      "Since the new F-35 center wing assembly line opened in our Marietta facility, the company has planned to move all center wing assembly work from Fort Worth," Lockheed spokesman Joe Stout said. "Lockheed Martin is not taking work away from our Fort Worth facility as a result of the work stoppage".

      Stout also said that the decision to move the work F-35 wing assemblies was taken months "before we knew of the possibility of a strike" in Fort Worth.

      While no formal negotiations have been scheduled, both parties are refusing to budge.

Lockheed Martin Acquires privately held Micro Autopilot Maker - Procerus

Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors (MS2), operating under the Corporation’s Electronic Systems business will manage the new business. MS2 also manages other small UAS activities including Desert Hawk, Persistent Threat Detection System aerostats, K-MAX unmanned helicopter system, and high altitude airship programs.

Procerus was founded in 2004 and based in Orem, Utah, Procerus is a privately held company that provides autopilot, targeting and payload technologies for micro UAS to domestic and international governments, as well as industry and academic institutions.

Lockheed Martins Stealth C-130 Successor Fast STOL Speed Agile Revealed

                                            Lockheed Martin's Stealth C-130 Successor STOL Speed Agile

                                          Lockheed Martin's Stealth C-130 Successor STOL Speed Agile

  

Some Years Ago The US Air Force tried to replace the Lockheed Martin C-130 with a super short take-off and landing (STOL) airlifter, with the Boeing YC-14 and McDonnell YC-15 as the candidates. Then, things got weird. Budgets grew, funding shrank and eventually the requirement transformed into something much larger. Thus, the Boeing C-17A Globemaster III was borne to replace the Lockheed C-141B Starlifter and the Lockheed C-130 continues into its seventh decade of active production.

What goes around always seems to come around in this business, and so it is with the YC-14 and YC-15.

Meet the Speed Agile. If the USAF is allowed to spend big money on a super-STOL C-130 replacement after 2020, this is Lockheed's idea for what it should look like. Boeing is also working on an alternative concept. The Air Force Research Laboratory has been funding both Lockheed and Boeing to work on wind tunnel models. Last month, the AFRL released these front and rear images of a 23%-scale model of the four-engine Lockheed Speed Agile concept. The wind tunnel model includes two Williams FJ44 engines.

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