Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has received a U.S. Navy contract to complete the integration and flight testing of five airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) systems with the MH-60S multimission helicopter. The contract establishes a new funding increment for an earlier award that focused on design engineering and partial AMCM systems integration.

Under this second phase contract, valued at $76.6 million, Lockheed Martin Systems Integration in Owego, NY will finish linking the Lockheed Martin- designed AMCM Common Console with the two mine detection systems and the three mine neutralization systems that comprise each AMCM suite. The Common Console is the on-board control system that will allow the AMCM operator inside the helicopter to deploy and control each asset while performing mine countermeasures. Work is scheduled for completion by 2010.

In addition to hardware and software updates to the Common Console, Lockheed Martin will update the cockpit avionics software to enable the pilot to fly the correct flight pattern for the mine detection or neutralization system the aircraft is carrying.

Lockheed Martin has designed the Common Console for the MH-60S AMCM mission, and also 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.

"The hardware and software upgrades we will make to the AMCM Common Console and the Common Cockpit(TM) avionics suite are critical next steps to integrate the MH-60S helicopter and its crew with the next-generation mine detection and neutralization systems," said Jeff Bantle, vice president and general manager of Multi-Mission Solutions for Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego. "Flying the fully integrated AMCM capability directly from Navy ships will give the Fleet tremendous flexibility when operating in shallow water zones where minefields can severely restrict maritime traffic."

The two sensor systems that detect mines are the AN/AQS/20A sonar array and the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS). The three mine neutralization systems are the Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS), the Rapid Airborne Mine Clearance System (RAMICS), and the Organic Airborne and Surface Influence System (OASIS).

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 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