Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control -- Dallas has received a $6.5 million contract for Extended-Range Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) rockets for the nation of Bahrain.

The foreign military sales (FMS) contract calls for the productions of 57 Extended-Range MLRS rocket pods (six rockets per pod). Delivery of the pods is expected to be completed by June 2001. Bahrain purchased 55 Extended-Range MLRS rocket pods in 1997.

Production of the pods will take place at the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control -- Dallas facility in Camden, Ark.

The ER MLRS rocket can strike targets up to 28 miles (45 kilometers) away. To achieve the additional range, the existing MLRS warhead was shortened and the rocket motor stretched. Because it uses fewer submunitions, the ER rocket is lighter at burnout than the current version. And the additional motor length accommodates more propellant, thereby increasing range.

MLRS is the world's most formidable missile and rocket artillery system. A single MLRS launcher can put more than two tons of destructive firepower on a target in less than one minute, and its full load of 12 rockets can cover 30 to 60 acres with thousands of grenade-like submunitions. Each of the submunitions in an MLRS rocket has about the same destructive power as a hand grenade and contains a shaped charge that allows it to penetrate light armor. MLRS also fires the battle-proven Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) family of missiles.

Located in Dallas, Tex.; Orlando, Fla.; and Sunnyvale, Calif., Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control develops, manufactures and supports advanced combat, missile, rocket and space systems. The company is organized in seven program/mission areas: Strike Weapons, Air Defense, Anti-Armor, Naval Munitions, Fire Control and Sensors, Fire Support and Product Development.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced-technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's core businesses are systems integration, space, aeronautics, and technology services.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control - Dallas