The Department of Defense selected the U.S. Army and Lockheed Martin's High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) team for the Secretary of Defense Performance Based Logistics (PBL) Award, which recognizes exceptional operational capability.

PBL is the hallmark of the U.S. military's call for integrated, affordable performance packages designed to optimize system readiness at lower cost than traditional maintenance programs. The U.S. Army nominated HIMARS for the annual award, highlighting renowned efficiency that makes Warfighter jobs easier and more efficient.

Because of its C-130 transportability, HIMARS can be deployed into areas previously inaccessible to heavier launchers. It also incorporates the self- loading, autonomous features that have made the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) the premier rocket artillery system in the world. HIMARS carries a single six-pack of MLRS rockets, or one Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile. Its fire control system, electronics and communications units are interchangeable with the existing MLRS M270A1 launcher, and the crew and training are the same. HIMARS prototypes were successfully employed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. More than 250 HIMARS/M270A1 systems are operational thus far.

The HIMARS product support concept combines U.S. Army organic capabilities with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control performance based logistics and field support. It entrusts Lockheed Martin with the full support responsibilities for the performance-based specification components of HIMARS: the fire control system and the launcher loader module. This includes supply, maintenance and related logistics support, including field service representatives for the HIMARS launchers.

"This award means HIMARS gives what's needed when it's needed," said Rick Edwards, vice president - Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Our disciplined performance clearly translates to major customer benefits with uncompromised results."

The HIMARS launchers, along with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control's logistics support, were combat proven in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The launchers fired the entire MLRS family of munitions, including the ATACMS Unitary missile and the Guided MLRS Unitary rocket.

HIMARS launchers are currently deployed and operating in support of the Global War on Terror, and continue to be successfully supported by Lockheed Martin. In all operational scenarios, the HIMARS PBL concept has provided exceptionally high system operational readiness. The outstanding performance by Lockheed Martin Field Service Representatives has proven that contractors on the battlefield are a viable solution to supporting modern ground weapon systems.

Lockheed Martin just completed its sixth consecutive measured calendar quarter in which it has exceeded all five PBL requirements: Life Cycle Contractor Support (LCCS) system status readiness, average response time for critical non-mission capable launcher failures in the continental United States and outside the continental United States, average repair time in the field, and average depot repair turnaround time.

For example, hardware managed by the PBL team has maintained a system status readiness rate in excess of 99 percent, versus a goal of 92 percent. The mission capable turnaround time, a measure of customer wait time, has averaged just one hour for HIMARS systems based outside of the continental United States, versus a goal of 96 hours. In addition, repair turnaround times in the field have averaged two days, versus a goal of five days.

"The HIMARS team's commitment to the soldier has ensured that units meet or exceed required readiness rates while reducing support costs," said John Bezner, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control's Aftermarket Enterprises director. "We reduce cost burdens for the customer while at the same time making our launchers dependable and effective when the Warfighters need them."

The PBL award recognizes three categories: the system level (highest award), the sub-system level and the component level. HIMARS received the system award because its PBL solution maintains performance across the entire weapon system, rather than just for partial subsystems or components. It is at the system level that the customers recognize the highest potential for realizing savings and performance efficiency of the weapon system.

The PBL award will be presented at the Aerospace Industries Association Fall Product Support Conference at Hilton Head, SC, which runs November 6-8, 2006.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin