Lockheed Martin completed the installation of ten systems that provide real-time air-to-ground transmission of sensor videos and other data on Navy P-3C aircraft -- a capability that will support the Navy's role in the Global War on Terrorism.

These Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL) installations are part of a contract awarded in April 2005 to install new production TCDL systems in 24 P-3C Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement Program (AIP) aircraft over the next year.

As the P-3C TCDL prime systems integrator, Lockheed Martin is part of the Navy's P-3C AIP TCDL team that recently earned first runner-up in the Quality of Service category of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Commander's National Award competition. The NAVAIR Commander's Award is the highest team award within the command and honors select teams that work to balance current and future readiness, reduce the cost of doing business, enhance agility, ensure alignment, implement Fleet-driven metrics and improve the total workforce environment.

"The Global War on Terrorism has heightened the Navy's need to quickly deploy capability to the fleet, and we are proud to have been recognized for our efforts to support this important initiative," says Richard F. Ambrose, president of Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors' Tactical Systems line of business. "The TCDL system allows information from multiple sources to be blended together, providing the fleet with a much broader understanding of what is happening within key battlegrounds. In turn, this information is used to quickly move assets to the right place at the right time, increasing the chance for mission success."

With the TCDL, operators have significantly enhanced situational awareness across the battle space. The TCDL is a key component that enables P-3C AIP- upgraded aircraft to be a critical node in FORCEnet and continues the Navy's transformation to a network-centric force. P-3C AIP aircraft equipped with this system are presently providing vital support of Marine, Army and National Guard tactical units in the Global War on Terrorism. The TCDL system is being retrofit into existing AIP aircraft and will be installed as part of all future AIP modification efforts.

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. The P-3 is the primary maritime surveillance aircraft operated by the U.S. Navy and 15 allied nations. 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.

For additional information, visit our web site: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/ .

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin