RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Brazilian Navy recently tested an integrated combat system provided by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) on the SS Tapajo, a U209 (Tupi)-class submarine. The exercise marks Brazil's first use of the combat system and demonstrates its compatibility with international allied navies. 

The SS Tapajo's integrated combat system detected, tracked and launched Mark 48 Mod 6AT torpedoes at targets during sea trials and combat system acceptance testing.

"This test proves Lockheed Martin's ability to successfully integrate combat systems on international submarines with the latest commercially available technology," said Lisa Callahan, vice president of Undersea Systems for Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Sensors. "It represents a three-year partnership effort with the U.S  and Brazilian navies and ensures the fleet can continue to patrol large ocean zones along one of the world's longest coastlines."

Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract in 2008 as part of a foreign military sale to modernize combat systems for the Brazilian Navy's three Tupi-class submarines in addition to the SS Tapajo, as well as one Tikuna-class submarine. With the first combat system now operational aboard SS Tapajo, efforts are now focused on updating  the three remaining Tupi-class submarines and the Tikuna. 

The modernized systems provide the Brazilian Navy with tangible improvements in overall submarine performance and dramatically improved war fighting capability.  At the same time, the integrated combat system also improves interoperability between the Brazilian, U.S. and other allied naval forces.

With more than 40 years of experience, Lockheed Martin is a leader in integrating submarine combat systems for U.S. and allied navies around the world. This experience has led to a low-risk, reduced cost, high-performance system specifically designed for diesel-electric submarines.  The combat system features an open-architecture solution that uses commercially available technology, making it adaptable for various-sized submarines.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 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 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin