The U.S. Air Force's Warner Robins Air Logistics Center (WRALC) and Lockheed Martin have signed a partnership agreement to provide for depot maintenance and other long-term sustainment activities for the service's Sniper(R) XR(TM) Advanced Targeting Pod.

"This partnership is another fine example of how the Warner Robins ALC is transforming the way we sustain our assigned weapon systems in conjunction with industry," said Maj. Gen. Donald Wetekam, commander, WRALC, Robins AFB.

The agreement reduces depot activation and sustainment cost by utilizing a mix of Lockheed Martin and WRALC capabilities. For the day-to-day management activities, Lockheed Martin will retain primary management responsibility while the Precision Attack System Program Office (PASPO) will retain the contract management and essential logistical support functions for ATP.

"This partnership allows us to focus on WRALC's challenge to provide a system that allows its warfighters the capability to complete their missions with faster turnaround times for repaired items," said Stan Arthur, president, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Orlando, FL. "We are able to meet this challenge by providing a solution that leverages our strengths in precision strike design and technology."

Sniper's superior performance includes exceptional stability, long-range identification of tactical targets, outstanding image processing and supersonic flight. A precision targeting system in a single, lightweight, affordable pod, Sniper XR is designed for current and future fighter aircraft. Incorporating a high-resolution, mid-wave 3rd generation Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), a dual-mode laser and a CCD-TV along with a laser spot tracker and a laser marker, Sniper vastly improves target detection and identification. The advanced image processing algorithms, combined with rock- steady stabilization techniques, deliver three times the performance of the best systems in service today.

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.

Website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin