The Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) has exercised its option to purchase additional Lockheed Martin PANTERA(TM) advanced targeting pods (ATPs) with accompanying spares and support. Terms and quantities of the option were not disclosed.

The RNoAF, Lockheed Martin's first customer to commit the PANTERA ATP to operational use, has been flying the pods in domestic and international training exercises since the first quarter of 2004.

"This order comes on the heels of two highly successful large-scale, joint training exercises in which the RNoAF participated -- the Maple Flag exercises in Cold Lake, Canada, and the Red Flag exercises in Las Vegas," said Lou Karbiener, PANTERA ATP Norway program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Our customer's commitment to additional pods affirms PANTERA's strong performance at both events."

Lockheed Martin completed its first lot delivery of PANTERA ATPs to Norway during August 2004.

PANTERA sets the world standard for long-range target detection to help aircrews perform their missions at safe distances against heavily defended targets.

PANTERA ATP incorporates a high-resolution mid-wave third generation forward-looking infrared (FLIR), infrared pointer, dual-mode laser, day television, laser spot tracker and advanced algorithms in a lightweight, aerodynamic pod. The pod's long range FLIR and TV imagery allows pilots to avoid enemy air defenses and preserve national assets. Its unique common aperture and rock-steady stabilization permit subsonic and supersonic performance not possible with other pods. The pod is designed for one-half of the life-cycle cost and much easier maintenance than all other targeting pods.

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