Lockheed Martin has received a $14.8 million advance acquisition contract from the U.S. Navy to begin systems integration of eight new MH-60R multimission helicopters.

The eight MH-60R aircraft constitute the third stage of low rate initial production (LRIP III) for the Navy's new multimission helicopter. As the MH- 60R systems integrator, Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego will equip each aircraft with a cockpit and mission systems that enable each helicopter to conduct anti-surface and undersea warfare.

In March 2006, Lockheed Martin will deliver the first of four LRIP II production aircraft. Four phase two Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD II) test aircraft and five LRIP I aircraft have been delivered to date. As many as 254 aircraft orders are expected through 2015, with production quantities increasing to 30 aircraft per year.

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.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin