Lockheed Martin was awarded an $8.7 million contract to develop a Low Profile Mast sensor system for the U.S. Navy's Virginia Class submarines. The Low Profile Mast system will provide the U.S. Navy with a significantly improved situational awareness capability while decreasing counter detection probability with a system well suited for littoral operations.

The state-of-the-art Low Profile Mast electro-optical system -- which integrates a compact periscope mast, an electronic support measures system and an advanced imaging system -- is a mission package that can be temporarily installed on a submarine when required to support operations and removed at the completion of the mission. The system will be delivered to the U.S. Navy in 2008.

"Lockheed Martin has provided the U.S. Navy with design, manufacturing and systems support for submarine combat systems for more than 25 years through our work on the U.S. Navy's Virginia and Seawolf Class submarines," said Chuck Cantello, vice president, homeland security systems at Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors. "We're proud to be able to provide the Low Profile Mast to continue this support and to protect our silent service sailors as they undertake important missions on behalf of our nation."

Lockheed Martin's facility in Syracuse, NY will develop the Low Profile Mast sensor system. Other industry teammates will include: Kollmorgen, which has provided the U.S. Navy with periscopes for more than 65 years; ArgonST, a leader in electronic warfare components; and Optics 1, which will provide advanced image sensor engineering. The total contract value with all options exercised could be $70 million dollars.

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