Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems (NE&SS) announced today that Microsoft Federal Systems is joining the Integrated Warfare Systems (IWS) Team supporting the design and development of the CVN 77, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Newport News Shipbuilding is providing to the U.S. Navy.

Microsoft Federal Systems will lead the information infrastructure development activity and define the architecture for high-performance information exchange as part of the warfare systems integration effort for CVN 77.

Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) is the prime contractor for the CVN 77, the transition ship to the Navy's future CVNX class of aircraft carriers, and has responsibility for the entire ship and associated systems. Lockheed Martin NE&SS-Surface Systems is the Warfare Systems Integrator for NNS. Highlights of the IWS role include improving interoperability among sensors, advanced communications systems, high-performance ship network connectivity, aircraft control systems, and other electronics on the ship.

The addition of Microsoft expands CVN 77 Team's set of industry and government partners that are leaders in defense and commercial business endeavors.

"Lockheed Martin's commitment to providing the best blend of innovation, system engineering and commercial technology is underscored by the addition of Microsoft Federal Systems to the CVN 77 IWS effort," Joe Antinucci, NE&SS President said. "This commitment, coupled with our partnership with Newport News Shipbuilding and the government, will ensure that CVN 77 sails with the most advanced and affordable technologies for tomorrow's sailors and aviators."

Microsoft Federal Systems, based in Washington, D.C., will help design the ship's information technology architecture based on the company's Windows 2000 platform. The commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software solution includes a three-year commitment by Microsoft Consulting Services for technical support during the ship's software design, development and deployment.

CVN 77 is the first step in the Navy's three-ship evolutionary strategy for developing the next class of aircraft carriers. The Integrated Warfare System will be the first building block to the next class of carriers. The CVN 77 IWS will comprise an open architecture, COTS-based system that will increase operational capability, be more readily supportable, and will facilitate affordable upgrades over its 50 year service life.

"Microsoft brings important elements to the Lockheed Martin effort," said Pete Hayes, General Manager, Microsoft Federal Systems. "The strength and versatility of the Windows platform, combined with our understanding of large DoD infrastructure requirements, will allow us to meet every functional role -- from hotel services to weapon system integration -- of the CVN 77 carrier."

"Commercial industry is the driving force in high-performance information exchange," said Fred P. Moosally, President, Lockheed Martin NE&SS-Surface Systems. "Microsoft has been at the vanguard of this force, providing innovation and affordability. The company's technical leadership in information technology will complement and strengthen the CVN 77 integrated warfare system solution by providing greater functionality and affordability."

The addition of Microsoft Federal Systems complements a strong group of commercial and government IWS teammates, including Northrop Grumman, Solipsys, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) and Raytheon.

Newport News Shipbuilding designs and constructs nuclear- powered aircraft carriers and submarines for the U.S. Navy and provides life-cycle services for ships in the Navy fleet. The company employs 17,300 people and has annual revenues of approximately $1.8 billion.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

Lockheed Martin NE&SS-Surface Systems, headquartered in Moorestown, New Jersey, is one of five major lines of business comprising the Lockheed Martin NE&SS business segment. NE&SS provides surface ship and submarine combat systems, antisubmarine warfare and ocean surveillance systems, missile launching systems, radar and sensor systems, ship systems integration services and other advanced systems and services to customers worldwide. NE&SS is an operating segment of the Lockheed Martin Systems Integration business area.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Systems Integration is one of four principal business areas within the Lockheed Martin Corporation . The other business areas are aeronautics, space and technology services.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems