Lockheed Martin completed production of two of the four SPY-1D(V) radar arrays for Australia's first Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyer.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080729/NETU009 )

"The Air Warfare Destroyer is a top priority for the Australian Navy, and we are absolutely committed to delivering Aegis capability on time," said Paul Johnson, managing director of Lockheed Martin Australia. "The SPY-1D(V) arrays are the visual icon of Aegis, and the success of the array production is setting the pace for the open architecture Aegis Weapon System development that will be the backbone of Hobart and the following Air Warfare Destroyers."

Hobart's SPY-1D(V) arrays eventually will be tested and integrated with the full Aegis Weapon System destined for the destroyer.

The SPY-1D(V) is the latest and most capable version of the SPY-1 family of radar. The unique SPY-1 multi-function phased array radar system replaces numerous conventional independent sensors and is designed for the most challenging environments and missions, including long-range volume search, fire control-quality tracking and ballistic missile defense. SPY-1's S-band frequency range permits optimum performance in all-weather operations and the ability to perform all major radar functions while simultaneously providing proven S-band mid-course guidance for semi-active missiles, such as the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, SM-2 and SM-3.

The Aegis Open Architecture (OA) Weapon System will provide the Hobart-class ships with the latest and most capable version of the Aegis Weapon System. Lockheed Martin is delivering the same version this year to USS Bunker Hill as part of the U.S. Navy's Cruiser Modernization Program. Aegis OA's commercial off-the-shelf components integrated within an open architecture support easy upgrades as new technologies become available, enabling Aegis to evolve by incorporating state-of-the-art capabilities in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

The Aegis Weapon System is the world's premier naval surface defense system and is the foundation for Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense, the primary component of the sea-based element of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System. When paired with the Lockheed Martin-developed MK-41 Vertical Launching System, it is capable of delivering missiles for every mission and threat environment in naval warfare. The Aegis Weapon System is currently deployed on 86 ships around the globe, with 20 additional ships planned. In addition to the U.S. Navy and Australia, Aegis is the maritime weapon system of choice for Japan, South Korea, Norway and Spain.

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. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin