LOCKHEED MARTIN SELECTED FOR $8 MILLION CONTRACT FOR UK AWACS UPDATE  

HAVANT, UK, February 1, 2006

Lockheed Martin has been selected as one of two preferred bidders by the UK Ministry of Defence to compete in a technology demonstration programme to develop a new mission system for the UK AWACS E-3D aircraft, currently in service with the UK Royal Air Force (RAF). The effort is part of the RAF's Project Eagle, intended to significantly enhance the capabilities of the AWACS fleet.

Subject to final negotiations, the contract's value is estimated at $8 million.

Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will create a prototype mission system as part of a 15 month Technical Demonstration Phase programme. The prototype will allow MoD technical and operational experts to evaluate the effectiveness of the new system before moving to the next phase of the programme.

For Project Eagle, Lockheed Martin Systems Integration in Owego, NY, will be supported by Lockheed Martin UK, which will provide critical life cycle support, systems engineering and human machine interface skills.

Lockheed Martin Systems Integration (LMSI)-Owego has extensive experience in large mission systems integration programmes in the US as well as programmes in the UK such as Merlin and Soothsayer. Lockheed Martin produces mission computers currently used on the world’s E-3 fleets, and is a leading developer of open architecture, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)-based mission systems for military aircraft.

Louis De Santis, vice president and general manager of integrated products at LMSI Owego said: “Lockheed Martin has developed an innovative approach to providing the next generation of capability for the UK AWACS fleet. Our broad systems integration experience and strong skill base, as well as our knowledge of the AWACS application and platform, will allow us to provide the right capability and value to our UK customer.”

The UK’s AWACS aircraft were designed to provide an airborne early warning capability by tracking aircraft at extended ranges. Since the end of the Cold War they also have become invaluable for airborne command and control and their ability to relay vital information to commanders on the ground. The aircraft represent a key element in the UK’s transition to a Network Enabled Capability. The Project Eagle mission system upgrade will ensure that they remain at the forefront of technology in this key area.

Lockheed Martin UK, a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation, is a leader in systems integration working on major programmes spanning the aerospace, defence, civil and commercial sectors. Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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Media Contact:

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