The U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) office has awarded a team of Lockheed Martin and Alliant Techsystems a $9.2 million contract to demonstrate and validate solid rocket motor technologies suitable for developing an affordable Submarine Launched Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile System (SLIRBM).

Under the 16-month contract, the team will identify the appropriate level of technology insertion that will then be demonstrated through static firings of first and second stage boost motors. The purpose of the demonstration is to achieve a low risk transition path to the objective weapon system for the U.S. Navy's guided missile submarines.

"We are extremely proud to have been selected to lead this important effort," said Joanne Maguire, vice president and deputy, Lockheed Martin Space Systems. "We look forward to working in partnership with Navy SSP to deliver mission success while building toward a conventional precision global strike capability for the nation."

To provide the best value solution to the government, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., and partner ATK, have established a compact, fully integrated, product-oriented team with Lockheed Martin leading a Missile System Trade Study Integrated Product Team (IPT) and ATK leading the Ground Demonstration IPT. Lockheed Martin will serve as the overall prime contractor and systems integrator for the SLIRBM Booster System Demonstration.

The bid leveraged the team's combined strength and extensive experience developing advanced ballistic missile systems and solid propellant rocket motor propulsion systems.

"ATK is the world's leading producer of solid rocket motors and the world record holder for hypersonic flight, "said Ron Dittemore, President, ATK Thiokol. "We look forward to working with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy to develop a low-cost, precision missile system capable of global reach that gives U.S. forces unmatched, rapid-response capability to time critical targets."

ATK is a $3.0 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 14,000 people in 23 states. News and information on ATK can be found at www.atk.com

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. The corporation reported 2004 sales of $35.5 billion.

Contact: Steve Tatum of Lockheed Martin, +1-408-742-7531, or Stephen.o.tatum@lmco.com.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin