Lockheed Martin and EDO Corporation , in conjunction with the U.S. Navy's F/A-18 Advanced Weapons Laboratory, China Lake, CA, successfully completed a series of launcher and Joint Common Missile (JCM) integration tests, demonstrating that the Lockheed Martin JCM system can interface with the F/A-18E/F and F/A-18C/D platforms.

"This critical integration milestone significantly reduces our JCM risk," said Lockheed Martin JCM program director Steve Barnoske. "The successful integration tests accomplished in collaboration with the Navy will enable us to advance directly into the JCM phase one F/A-18 integration and test efforts following contract award. This includes jettison, measurement vehicle flights, and safe separation/envelope clearance flights."

The testing was performed with launcher electronics provided by Lockheed Martin's launcher teammate EDO and Lockheed Martin's JCM simulator as a part of the ongoing Lockheed Martin Risk Reduction program for the JCM. The JCM simulator and EDO fixed wing launcher electronics are based on the legacy products of both companies and are representative of the maturity and heritage in missile and launcher development this team brings to the JCM.

The team successfully completed nine power-on sequences and commanded built-in-tests, transfer alignment, target handover, initializations to "ready for launch," and launch sequences using the existing JDAM "J-weapon" interface and unmodified baseline software packages for the F/A-18E/F and F/A-18C/D.

The JCM is the next-generation, multi-purpose, air-to-ground precision missile and will replace the Hellfire, Longbow, and Maverick air-to-ground missiles currently in the U.S. arsenal.

The Lockheed Martin JCM includes a tri-mode seeker with imaging infrared, semi-active laser and millimeter wave radar capabilities for active and passive "fire-and-forget" and precision-strike targeting. This increases crew survivability and minimizes collateral damage. The JCM also has extended range for standoff engagements-16 kilometers (10 miles) for rotary-wing and 28 kilometers (17.5 miles) for fixed-wing aircraft-and maximum modularity for growth.

The Lockheed Martin JCM candidate builds on the heritage of the Longbow/Hellfire missile family with greatly improved capabilities and reduced cost. The Hellfire missile family has been in production since the early 1980s with more than 16,000 Hellfire II and more than 60,000 Hellfire I rounds produced. Hellfire is in the inventory of 13 countries around the world and has a combat-proven legacy.

The Lockheed Martin JCM combines the experience, technology and the up-front focus to deliver the lowest acquisition and life-cycle cost.

EDO Corporation supplies highly engineered products for governments and industry worldwide, including advanced electronic, electromechanical, and information systems and engineered materials critical to the mission success of its customers. EDO was founded in 1925 and is headquartered in New York City.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin