Lockheed Martin has received a $10 million contract for 15 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Future Fire Control Systems (FFCS) from the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence.

The FFCS, when coupled with a new Electric Launcher Drive System will provide the British Forces with a launcher capability similar to the U.S. Army's MLRS M270A1. Additionally, the FFCS will enable the United Kingdom to fire precision munitions such as the GPS aided versions of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) Block 1A and the Army's Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS).

The Foreign Military Sale was executed by the U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command in Huntsville, AL. Delivery is expected to be completed in December 2006.

"We are pleased to provide our international customers with an enhanced fire control system for their MLRS launchers," said Ron Abbott, vice president - Tactical Missiles for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "The FFCS will enable our British allies to improve the combat readiness of their MLRS launchers, as well as provide them the ability to employ the newest munitions in the inventory."

The battle-proven MLRS is a highly mobile, automated system that fires surface-to-surface rockets and missiles. MLRS offers manpower savings, massive firepower and survivability due to the armored cab and "shoot and scoot" capability. The launcher is designed so its three-man crew can drive to a firing site, stop, conduct one or more fire missions and quickly depart the firing site without ever leaving the cab. An entire 12-rocket load can be ripple-fired in less than one minute, and the crew of three can rapidly reload with two six-pack launch pod containers.

MLRS launchers and rockets are now in the inventories of (or have been ordered by) France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Norway, Denmark, Turkey, Greece and South Korea.

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.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin