Lockheed Martin 's new Aegis Open Architecture Weapon System came to life during the week of Aug. 25 -- on schedule and exactly as planned -- aboard the U.S. Navy's guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52). The Aegis open architecture configuration was installed aboard Bunker Hill as part of that ship's modernization.

During this milestone testing event, power was successfully applied to the newest version of the world's most advanced naval weapon system, developed using commonly-available, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) computing hardware and open system software.

Through the use of COTS hardware and open system software, Lockheed Martin's Aegis Open Architecture Weapon System will allow the Navy to stay on technology's leading edge by enabling warfighters to more easily implement technology refreshes and capability upgrades to the weapon system as these are developed in the future.

"Aegis modernization extends the sea-going horizon for the Navy's Ticonderoga-class cruisers," said Orlando Carvalho, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Surface-Sea Based Missile Defense Systems line of business. "As Aegis was when it first went to sea, Aegis remains the most capable multi-mission naval weapon system in the world. Open architecture will allow the Aegis program to continue evolving the world's most capable integrated air and missile defense system to remain a step ahead of any threat."

USS Bunker Hill is the first of 22 U.S. Navy cruisers scheduled for modernization with Aegis Open Architecture over the next 10 years. In 2012, the Navy will begin a similar modernization program for the 62-ship class of Aegis-equipped Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) guided missile destroyers.

The road to Aegis Open Architecture included extensive systems engineering to reconfigure Aegis with COTS computing hardware and open system software. The end result is a weapon system that will be able to absorb frequent technology refreshes to remain state-of-the-art and can readily accept upgrades in capabilities, whether they are accomplished through new development or through the integration of separately developed third party products.

The Aegis Weapon System is the world's premier proven naval defense system and the sea-based element of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System. Its precision S-band SPY-1 radar and missile system seamlessly integrate with its own command and control. Its ability to detect, track and engage targets ranging from sea-skimming cruise missiles to ballistic missiles in space is unmatched, as demonstrated by thousands of successful missile firings in tests and in combat.

The Aegis Weapon System is currently deployed on 88 ships around the globe with 18 additional ships planned or under contract. In addition to the U.S., Aegis is the maritime weapon system of choice for Australia, Japan, Norway, South Korea and Spain.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin is a global security company that 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.

For additional information on Lockheed Martin Corporation, visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin