PHILADELPHIA, March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The system that integrates the launch hardware and software to provide weapon control for the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile is being modernized by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT). As a member of the Tomahawk Weapons Control System Development Activity in partnership with the U.S. Navy Labs, Lockheed Martin is upgrading the Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS). TTWCS provides firing units the ability to prepare, control, and launch Tomahawk missiles and is one of three major components that comprise the Tomahawk Weapons System.

"Lockheed Martin is a key industry partner and continues to make significant and positive impacts directly supporting the Tomahawk Weapons System and our fleet sailors," said Captain Joe Mauser, Tomahawk Program Manager.

After an extensive five year design, development and test program, the Program Executive Office, Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation, and PMA-280, Tomahawk Weapons System, authorized fleet release of the latest TTWCS system upgrade.

"Lockheed Martin remains committed to enhancing the capability of the Tomahawk Weapons System," said Jim Quinn, vice president of C4ISR Systems for Lockheed Martin IS&GS-Defense. "The latest upgrade helps Tomahawk remain a viable weapon system for our warfighters."

This TTWCS hardware and software upgrade provides improvements for specific mission and launch timelines. The team is also implementing new processors that reduce run-times for several applications from minutes to seconds. It also serves as a stepping stone to the next upgrade scheduled in 2015.  As part of an incremental approach, the present TTWCS upgrade will be installed on surface platforms only: Ticonderoga Class Cruisers (CG) and Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers (DDG). 

Lockheed Martin has supported the TTWCS program since being awarded the initial development contract in 1999. As part of the Tomahawk System Development Activity, Lockheed Martin, together with Navy labs in Dahlgren, Va., Newport, R.I., and Port Hueneme, Calif., helps maintain current fleet released products and develops new products that address emerging fleet priorities.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 123,000 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 net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/ttwcs.html

SOURCE Lockheed Martin