Lockheed Martin has received a $16.4 million U.S. Navy award to add enhanced capabilities to the airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) Common Console, currently in development for the MH-60S helicopter. To be completed by 2008, the work establishes an additional funding increment to a $76.6 million contract awarded in October to integrate the Common Console with the AMCM system.

Designed by Lockheed Martin Systems Integration in Owego, NY, the Common Console will enable the AMCM operator aboard the aircraft to find and destroy mines at sea by launching and controlling the two mine detection systems and three mine neutralization systems that comprise the AMCM system.

In the new funding increment, the principal upgrade to the Common Console is a new sensor data computer. In addition to providing greater processing throughput for the AMCM system, the new computer will feature fewer processing cards than its predecessor, thereby reducing weight and improving maintainability. Other upgrades include improved light balancing so that the operator can more easily see the console's instrumentation while wearing night vision goggles, and easier internal console access for Navy maintainers.

"These technology upgrades will ensure the AMCM Common Console carries the latest data processing and operational functionality so that MH-60S crews can perform their mine hunting mission successfully," said Jeff Bantle, vice president and general manager of Multi-Mission Solutions for Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego.

The two mine detectors in development for the AMCM suite are the AN/AQS- 20A sonar array and the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS). The U.S. Navy currently is testing the Common Console aboard a MH-60S helicopter with the AN/AQS-20A sonar array, a device towed by the aircraft through the sea to detect mine-like objects. The three mine neutralizers in development for the AMCM suite are the Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS), the Rapid Airborne Mine Clearance System (RAMICS), and the Organic Airborne and Surface Influence System (OASIS).

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 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Common Cockpit is a trademark of the Lockheed Martin Corporation

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

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin