MELBOURNE, Fla., Dec. 14, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) operators will be supporting a network of sensor systems that provide improved persistent surveillance for U.S. troops stationed in theater. Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract to provide operations support for the U.S. Army's Base Expeditionary Targeting and Surveillance Sensors-Combined (BETSS-C).  BETSS-C is a combination of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, battle command, and force protection systems that provide specific targeting, persistent surveillance, and overall force protection capabilities for in theater troops. The total value of this contract is approximately $45 million.

"Insurgent activity poses an ongoing threat to our forces," said Jim Quinn, vice president with Lockheed Martin's Information Systems & Global Solutions-Defense. "With BETSS-C, we provide reliable, integrated, actionable information to work against an adaptive enemy."

The BETTS-C system monitors security by gathering video and intelligence. Its towers and aerostats make up the Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment (RAID) system. Under this contract, Lockheed Martin will provide personnel to operate and maintain integrated BETSS-C systems, including RAID towers. This includes determining and executing critical sustainment needs. Operators will manage and report status of BETSS-C systems and work with Government personnel and resource managers to ensure successful implementation of all integrated systems.  

Performance will take place inside the United States as well as overseas. Training will take place at locations as designated by the Government. The Project Manager for Night Vision/Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition is responsible for life cycle management and sustainment of the BETSS-C system.  

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2009 sales from continuing operations were $44.5 billion.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin