Lockheed Martin UK INTEGRATED SYSTEMS RECEIVED INTEGRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 

14 November 2001

Lockheed Martin UK Integrated Systems has been selected as the winner of the inaugural Defence Helicopter Integrator of the Year Award. The company was selected for its work on the Merlin HM Mk1, the Royal Navy’s new multimission helicopter which is set to enter full operational service in 2002. The award was presented to Ron Christenson, group managing director of Lockheed Martin UK Integrated Systems at the Heli-Power Show in Hanover, Germany this week. Speaking after the award, John Woolley, managing director of Shephard Group said, "At Defence Helicopter we believe that entry of the Merlin into front-line service is a moment to be commemorated. There’s no denying that obstacles have challenged the programme over the years, but determination and perseverance in the face of setbacks have required the focus of a prime contractor and the entire Merlin Integrated Project Team. There’s no doubt that Merlin is a potent weapon which will extend the Fleet Air Arm’s influence in the maritime battlespace."

On receiving the award on behalf of the Merlin team at Lockheed Martin, Christenson said "Merlin HM Mk1 is a showcase programme for Lockheed Martin. It involves very complex systems integration, a process at which we excel. We are now applying processes and skills developed and proven on Merlin to other complex systems integration projects. We are also building on the partnerships we have developed. For example, with AgustaWestland we will jointly bring the US101 aircraft – an American version of the extremely versatile and mission-proven EH101 helicopter – to the U.S. market."

Lockheed Martin was awarded the £1.5B Merlin prime contract in 1991 and will provide the Royal Navy with 44 Merlin Weapons Systems. With a submarine hunting capability described by senior Royal Navy officials as '‘awesome". Merlin will enter full operational service next year when 814 Naval Air Squadron embarks on HMS Ark Royal.

In addition to managing an international team of subcontractors, Lockheed Martin is responsible for the integration of the many complex mission systems that comprise the Merlin HM Mk1. Lockheed Martin is also responsible for Spares Support and for the Merlin Training System.

Lockheed Martin is the premier integrator of maritime helicopter systems in the world and has more than 40 years of proven performance in that arena. In addition to Merlin, the company have played a vital role in delivering the LAMPS Mk3 and MH-60R/S to the U.S. Navy and is currently competing to be the prime mission system integrator for the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Project (MHP).

Media Contact:

Christopher Trippick Tel: +44(023) 9244 3739