Lockheed Martin has received a $38 million contract from the U.S. Navy to test and integrate additional weapons, as well as communications and navigation systems into new production MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters, and some existing MH-60S aircraft. This contract is an extension of a $50.8 million contract awarded to Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego earlier this month to add a Link 16 command and control data link to both MH-60 aircraft.

"These enhancements will improve situational awareness to enable MH-60 aircrews to perform missions more effectively and with improved safety," said Jeff Bantle, vice president and general manager of Multi-Mission Solutions for Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego.

Weapons systems to be integrated include an additional pylon to carry Lockheed Martin-built Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, or the shallow water Mk-54 digital torpedo, and a low-light level TV mode for the upgraded Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) targeting sensor. Additional communications capability includes Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) mode S and mode 5 systems to positively identify the aircraft to coalition forces and air traffic controllers, a protocol to exploit spare bandwidth across busy satellite channels, and baseline capability for the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) that will network mission planning and coordination with friendly forces. A new 12-satellite GPS receiver and GPS antenna to ensure performance in GPS-jammed environments, and a ground proximity warning system, comprise the navigation upgrades.

Lockheed Martin is the systems integrator for the MH-60R and provides the Common Cockpit(TM) avionics suite, which is common to all MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation designs and manufactures the MH- 60R and MH-60S 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.

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  Common Cockpit is a trademark of the Lockheed Martin Corporation

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin