Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has received a $15.6 million contract to integrate the Armed Helicopter mission kit for the MH-60S helicopter. The award represents Phase III of the U.S. Navy's Armed Helo program.

Phase III, a two-year effort, covers integration from the preliminary design review, completed by Lockheed Martin in Phase II, through completion of operational testing. The Armed Helo mission kit includes sensors, avionics, weapons, integrated self-defense (ISD) and survivability capabilities. Initial operational capability of the Armed Helo is scheduled in September 2006.

The MH-60S helicopter is a multimission platform being acquired by the Navy to replace the CH-46 and HH-60H helicopters. MH-60S aircraft in the Armed Helo configuration will perform organic combat search and rescue (CSAR), maritime interdiction operations (MIO), surface warfare (SUW) and carrier plane guard/SAR.

"The Navy has an urgent need to arm helicopters flying in harm's way," said Jeff Bantle, vice president, Multi-Mission Solutions for Lockheed Martin Systems Integration -- Owego. "With helicopters increasingly flying in high- threat environments, the Armed Helo will provide critical protection for our warfighters."

The Armed Helo program adapts key features of the MH-60R helicopter, including the ISD suite, Hellfire missiles and forward-looking infrared (FLIR), to the MH-60S platform. The mission kit also gives the crew capability to fire laser-sighted 7.62 mm guns from the port and starboard cabin windows and laser-sighted 0.50 caliber guns from the port and starboard cabin doors.

The MH-60S and MH-60R helicopters are designed with a common cockpit that includes full-color, night vision device-capable, sunlight-readable displays, digital communications, fully integrated global positioning system and inertial navigation system, mass memory data storage, and integrated mission computer.

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