The Aegis Weapon System, with its powerful S-band SPY-1 Radar, took part for the first time in a Ground- based Midcourse Defense (GMD) test by gathering data about the target. All test objectives for the SPY-1 Radar were met. The test also included the Payload Launch Vehicle (PLV) -- which successfully launched and delivered the kill vehicle in support of an intercept that completely destroyed the incoming target.

The test, referred to as Integrated Flight Test 9 (IFT-9), was the seventh system-level test involving an intercept attempt to ensure that the various components of the GMD system operate as planned and that all elements work together effectively. IFT-9 was sponsored by the Missile Defense Agency and took place on the Pacific Range from California to the Reagan Test Site at Kwajalein.

"This is another significant step toward an integrated ballistic missile defense system," said Fred Moosally, president of Lockheed Martin's Naval Electronics and Surveillance Systems (NE&SS) unit located in Moorestown, N.J. "The Aegis Weapon System can play a critical role in the Missile Defense Agency's plan to have a layered approach to missile defense."

The Aegis Weapon System, developed by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Navy, gathered important data on the capabilities of the SPY-1 Radar against long- range ballistic missiles during this test. An Aegis-equipped destroyer, USS John Paul Jones, located near the target launch point, provided track data on the ballistic missile. Future tests may include more direct participation of the Aegis Weapon System.

The Lockheed Martin PLV is based on a refurbished, two-stage Minuteman II ICBM with a new front section. The PLV is serving as the surrogate Ground- Based Interceptor during the ongoing GMD flight-test program. Lockheed Martin provides an Upper Stage Assembly that serves as the interface between the EKV and the Minuteman booster, as well as all the PLV avionics. The corporation is also responsible for payload and mission integration, and launch services. During the flight test, the PLV is responsible for delivering the EKV payload to a point in space at a designated time.

The PLV traces its heritage through the successful Homing Overlay Experiment (HOE) and Exo-Atmospheric Reentry Interceptor Subsystem (ERIS) programs. The PLV has been used on all nine of the GMD Integrated Flight Tests, and is currently planned for use through Integrated Flight Test-10.

The GMD program involves the development, testing and potential deployment of a system to detect, track and destroy hostile intercontinental ballistic missiles before they can reach any of the 50 states.

The Aegis Weapon System includes the SPY-1 radar, the Navy's most advanced computer-controlled radar system. When paired with the Lockheed Martin- developed MK 41 Vertical Launch System, it is capable of delivering missiles for every mission and threat environment in naval warfare. The system can simultaneously track hundreds of targets while defending against multiple incoming aircraft, missiles, submarines, torpedoes and attacking ships and automatically implementing defenses to protect the fleet. Aegis is capable of countering the existing and emerging threats to a naval battle group, as well as striking inland targets.

The SPY-1 multi-function phased array radar, available worldwide to meet the mission needs for a range of ships from corvettes to aircraft carriers, provides U.S. and allied nations with the world's most advanced naval surveillance, anti-air warfare and missile defense capabilities.

Aegis is currently deployed on 64 U.S. Navy cruisers and destroyers on station around the globe, and at least 24 more ships are currently planned. Aegis is the primary naval weapon system for Japan, it is part of two European ship construction programs -- the Spanish F-100 and the Norwegian New Frigate -- and the Republic of Korea recently selected Aegis for its newest class of destroyers.

As the leading technology solutions provider and integrator to the U.S. government, Lockheed Martin focuses on the defense, information technology and homeland security requirements of the military services and civil agencies. The Corporation's advanced technology solutions draw on world-class capabilities in systems engineering and integration, complex project management, software development and information technology. These align with emerging homeland security requirements for enhanced command and control, threat information alert and exchange, border control, critical infrastructure protection and emergency management and incident response. Lockheed Martin Corporation is headquartered in Bethesda, M.D.

For additional information on Lockheed Martin Corporation, visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems