Lockheed Martin has delivered the U.S. Navy's 65th P-3C aircraft modified under the Anti- Surface Warfare Improvement Program (AIP). This aircraft represents the second of five P-3C aircraft Lockheed Martin will update in 2005.

The AIP upgrades draw on the latest commercial-off-the-shelf and non- developmental technology to provide the U.S. Navy P-3C with the next generation of mission capability.

Since 1994, Lockheed Martin has been the prime contractor and systems integrator for the aircraft's avionics, including non-acoustic sensors, communications, survivability and displays and controls.

New workstations, satellite communication capabilities, and enhanced radar, optical and infrared sensors now significantly increase the P-3C's surveillance role. With these new capabilities, the aircraft has been used extensively in all major U.S. combined forces operations, including those in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia and others associated with the global war on terrorism.

"We are proud to continue providing these critical updates to the Navy," said Richard F. Ambrose, president of Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors' Tactical Systems line of business. "The P-3 aircraft are an integral part of our nation's defense systems, and our upgrades provide enhanced capabilities that expand their role in both humanitarian and military operations."

The P-3 is the primary maritime surveillance aircraft operated by the U.S. Navy and 15 international allies. Its roles include anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; command, control, communications, computers and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; search and rescue; drug interdiction; and exclusive economic zone protection.

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