Lockheed Martin received a $9 million contract to continue its integration of five airborne mine countermeasures systems, giving U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopters a fully coordinated capability to detect and neutralize mines.

Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky Aircraft are integrating Organic Airborne Mine Countermeasures (OAMCM) systems that currently operate independently. They are the:

  -- Towed sonar with a mine identification system (AN/AQS-20A)
  -- Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS)
  -- Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS)
  -- Rapid Airborne Mine Clearance System (RAMICS)
  -- Organic Airborne and Surface Influence Sweep (OASIS)

Key to the integration of the five systems are cockpit avionics changes and a common console developed by Lockheed Martin to permit the centralized operation of the organic mine countermeasures while also reducing operator workload, training and maintenance costs. The common console will provide a consistent interface for the OAMCM sensor operator to all five organic detection and neutralization devices to determine safe areas for ships to transit and operate.

"We are pleased to continue with the development of the OAMCM system, which provides the Carrier Battle Group with a new comprehensive anti-mine system that will dramatically enhance the flexibility of the fleet to operate in littoral waters," said Jeff Bantle, vice president of Multi-Mission Solutions for Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego.

Under a contract awarded in 2001, Lockheed Martin identified design requirements, began the development of the common console, and upgraded the cockpit avionics to integrate two of the five systems, the towed sonar with a mine identification system (AN/AQS-20A) and the airborne laser mine detection system (ALMDS). The common console began system-level testing in 2003 at Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego.

Lockheed Martin is the systems integrator for the MH-60R and provides the cockpit, which is common to all MH-60S and MH-60R helicopters. Sikorsky designs and manufactures the MH-60S and MH-60R aircraft and is responsible for the mechanical and electrical modifications on the airframe.

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.

For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin