Lockheed Martin delivered the first of 10 upgraded P-3C aircraft to the Royal Netherlands Navy today as part of Capabilities Upkeep Program (CUP).

The CUP aircraft provides significant improvement in air-to-ground surveillance capability and will provide a critical element in the security of the Netherlands, as well as all other regions of the world where it operates. The 10 upgraded P-3C aircraft will be used in support of maritime patrol, overland surveillance and coast guard operations.

"CUP is an excellent example of international cooperation at its finest," said Jennifer E. Smith, Business Development vice president for Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors' Tactical Systems line of business. "The U.S. and the Netherlands cooperation allowed us to leverage our experience and capabilities to provide an aircraft that will meet expanding mission challenges."

CUP avionics improvements include new electronic support measures, radar and acoustic sensors. Mission system upgrades include a new data management system in a ruggedized commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)-based architecture on high resolution color displays. A new communication suite allows the data management system to share data and imagery with other systems outside the aircraft using secure line-of-sight and satellite communications. The CUP modification is designed to be logistically compatible with U.S. Navy repair, provisioning and ground support facilities.

The U.S. Navy awarded the $75.3 million prime contract to Lockheed Martin in 2001. Lockheed Martin has prime system integration experience with the U.S. Navy's P-3C AIP (Anti-surface warfare Improvement Program) and P-3C BMUP (Block Modification Upgrade Program). In addition to the systems engineering work at Eagan, Lockheed Martin's Aircraft and Logistics Center in Greenville, SC, is performing installation design and aircraft installations. Delivery of the remaining aircraft will be complete by early 2006.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin