Lockheed Martin

We’re taking a Tumblr break. For the latest on trade shows...

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:45:07 -0400

We’re taking a Tumblr break. For the latest on trade shows & events that the Lockheed Martin team is attending, please visit our website.

During a signing ceremony at the Singapore Airshow, Lockheed...

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:48:00 -0500

During a signing ceremony at the Singapore Airshow, Lockheed Martin signed a teaming agreement with PT CMI Teknologi to jointly pursue the National Airspace Surveillance – Republic of Indonesia (NASRI) program with the intent to produce more than 40 new TPS-77 and FPS-117 long-range surveillance radars in-country.

Check out our latest video featuring Regional President Jim Gribbon discussing the new agreement at the Singapore Airshow.

2012 Singapore Airshow Concludes

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:38:40 -0500

Today was the final trade day for the Singapore Airshow, Asia’s largest defense and aerospace exposition. Lockheed Martin had a great week, filled with valuable customer meetings, media interviews and several important program announcements including:

New F-16V variant
C-130XJ
Teaming agreement with PT CMI Teknologi

If you weren’t able to make it to the show, check out our videos and photos below. And, for more information on Lockheed Martin, please visit www.lockheedmartin.com.

Interested in MH-60? Watch the latest video from the Singapore...

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:34:00 -0500

Interested in MH-60? Watch the latest video from the Singapore Airshow to learn more.

New F-35 video from Singapore.

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:22:08 -0500

New F-35 video from Singapore.

2012 Singapore Airshow

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:07:00 -0500

2012 Singapore Airshow

This week, Lockheed Martin announced two new variants of the...

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:43:06 -0500

This week, Lockheed Martin announced two new variants of the Hercules tactical airlifter- the C-130XJ and the SC-130J anti-submarine warfare Sea Herc.

Ground Sensor Network Uses Solar Power for Border Protection

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:34:59 -0500

Lockheed Martin’s Self-Powered Ad-hoc Networks (SPAN)

Securing borders is an increasingly important necessity for countries around the world. Customers are seeking low-cost, easy-to-use, stealthy solutions that will alert them of intrusions. A covert, perpetually self-powered wireless sensor network developed by Lockheed Martin could revolutionize how to discreetly monitor one’s surroundings.

Lockheed Martin’s Self-Powered Ad-hoc Networks (SPAN) system, a wireless network of “Field-and Forget” ground sensors, is specifically designed for detecting intrusions within a specified area, border surveillance or even tracking structure stress in aircraft or bridges. With sensors small enough to be concealed in camouflage housings, such as those resembling rocks, SPAN sensors can be inconspicuously positioned throughout an area.

“One of the challenges unattended surveillance sensors have had in the past is size,” said Jack Bright, Lockheed Martin’s program director for SPAN. “Large sensor nodes would be easy for interlopers to locate. With SPAN, we’ve designed sensor nodes small enough to fit into the palm of a person’s hand.”

Another issue with wireless sensor networks is power. Most networks use expendable batteries, which have a limited operational life and require periodic replacement. The SPAN system operates with extremely low power, thereby making it possible to power it via energy-harvesting technology, such as solar panels.

“Each sensor node in SPAN has an energy harvesting subsystem that re-charges itself using energy sources from its environment,” Said Bright. “This all but eliminates the need for battery replacement and servicing.”

Low power consumption is achievable also because the nodes do not transmit unless there is a sensor reading of concern. SPAN’s reduced power demand extends its operational life, and its inconspicuous sensors reduce the likelihood of discovery and tampering.

“Developing a self-powered system provides ultra low sensor cost and negates typical concerns regarding battery life,” added Bright. “Battery life can be a critical differentiator when determining the safety of those in harm’s way.”

Lockheed Martin’s Dragon Series Taking Flight

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:28:00 -0500

In today’s ever changing environment, the viability of having one aircraft to meet every needed intelligence gathering requirements is rare. Platform costs and mission requirements challenge the ability for a single platform to meet all needs, such as border surveillance, maritime patrol, or disaster relief missions. Recognizing this, Lockheed Martin introduced the Dragon family of ISR airborne and ground system configurations.

The Dragon family has five elements: Dragon Scout, Dragon Shield, Dragon Star, Dragon Stare, and Dragon Den, all of which offer sensor and communications systems and ground stations tailored to meet a customer’s specific mission needs and available budget. Lockheed Martin also offers any configuration as a contracted service under the NetDragon configurations.

“The Dragon family evolved from years of program success, augmented with extensive technical trade studies and real-world experimentation using our airborne multi-INT laboratory”, said Charles Gulledge, director of airborne reconnaissance business development with Lockheed Martin’s IS&GS-Defense. “For Dragon, we leveraged the innovation of the AML’s open hardware and software architecture into other offerings that meet the needs of our diverse customer set.”

The Dragon configurations define Lockheed Martin’s comprehensive ISR expertise in a broad catalogue of single and multi-purpose integrated air and ground intelligence platforms. Cost and capability varies and depends on what the customer prefers.

The AML falls within the Dragon Star category, which addresses requirements for mid range, multi-intelligence platforms such as the Gulfstream III, Havilland D-8 or Beech Craft B 350. Depending on the mission, these aircraft can be equipped with a variety of sensor combinations, multiple communications systems. Customers which Lockheed Martin provides Dragon Star configurations include the U.S. Army and the Royal Korean Air Force.

Dragon Shield sensor systems are built into trailer-like containers integrated onto standard cargo pallets that can be rolled on and off aircraft. To provide Dragon shield, the team leveraged expertise configuring C-130 and CASA-295 aircraft into dual-role ISR aircraft, which Lockheed Martin provides to both the U.S. and Finnish Air Forces.

“The Dragon Shield configuration is a cost efficient option for customers who need an aircraft that can perform multiple missions, such as airlift and ISR,” added Gulledge.

The Dragon Stare configuration is focused on providing sensor systems for smaller manned and unmanned aircraft, as well as podded systems. Sensor configurations are based on user needs, and as other systems are include net-centric capable for Joint and Coalition interoperability

For customers who already own aircraft for ISR missions, Dragon Den fixed or mobile ISR ground processing stations offers a way to process and exploit collected intelligence faster and with greater accuracy. Available in sizes from a transit case to a complete ground station, Dragon Den ground systems can also be fully integrated with customer aircraft. Dragon Den builds upon Lockheed Martin’s decades of expertise processing and distributing ISR for the U.S. Air Force and other customers.

For those who need a high altitude system with a complete suite of ISR sensors and communications, there is Dragon Scout. Fashioned for larger, longer range aircraft platforms, Dragon Scout provides a complete multi-Intelligence configured platform that can cover large areas of interest and be completely interoperable with national, NATO and coalition forces.

“Depending on the aircraft and the modifications selected, Dragon Family of system can be provided in as little as 3 months up to 30 months,” said Gulledge. “The Dragon family allows us to provide customers the capability they need, in the airframe they select, when they need it.”

Did you know Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod is the system of...

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:25:00 -0500

Did you know Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod is the system of choice for the U.S. Air Force and 14 other countries? Check out our latest video to learn more.

Day three at the Singapore Airshow.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:15:00 -0500

Day three at the Singapore Airshow.

Singapore recently acquired HIMARS. Watch the latest video from...

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:35:00 -0500

Singapore recently acquired HIMARS. Watch the latest video from the Singapore Airshow to learn more.

Picking Up the Pace for LCS Deployment

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:28:00 -0500

U.S. President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta unveiled the new military strategy for the United States earlier this year. A week later, the Navy gave some insight into how it will implement that new strategy.

In a Jan. 10 speech, Rear Adm. Thomas Rowden, director of the service’s surface warfare division, said the Navy plans an “aggressive fielding” strategy for the Littoral Combat Ship.

Adding the ships to the fleet faster will enable the Navy to increase its presence in key areas such as the South China Sea and the Persian Gulf. At the same time, the multi-mission LCS will help the U.S. build relationships with the nation’s existing and potential allies in those regions, Rowden said.

Lockheed Martin is doing its part to assist the Navy in getting the ships to the fleet faster. The Lockheed Martin led team built the nation’s first LCS – the USS Freedom – and delivered it to the Navy in late 2008. Freedom went to sea on its first deployment in 2010 – two years ahead of schedule.

Work on the team’s second LCS – the future USS Fort Worth – is on budget, on time and 99 percent complete. The ship is scheduled to undergo Navy acceptance trials this spring. Construction of the next two Freedom-variant ships is underway at the team’s Marinette Marine shipyard in Wisconsin.

According to Joe North, vice president for Lockheed Martin’s Littoral Ship Systems, construction began on LCS 5 – the Milwaukee – in August and 17 of its 46 modules are now being built, while work on three of the 46 modules for LCS 7 – the team’s fourth ship – has started.

MH-60 Helicopter Lands in Thailand

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:20:00 -0500

Thailand made history last fall when the Royal Thai Navy became the first foreign country to receive the U.S. Navy’s MH-60S maritime helicopter through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales program.

“MH-60S ‘Sierra’ helicopters have proven to be highly reliable utility aircraft for the U.S. Navy fleet,” said Michael Sears, the U.S. Navy’s international H-60 deputy program manager. “We are honored to provide Thailand with the same capability, along with pilot and maintainer training, spares and logistical support.”

The Thai government submitted a request to the United States for the purchase of two MH-60 Sierra helicopters, each featuring Lockheed Martin’s Common Cockpit integrated into the Sikorsky-made airframe. Once the request was approved, Lockheed Martin’s MH-60 team in Owego, N.Y., incorporated a new communications radio and an air traffic control upgrade into the two aircraft.

The Royal Thai Navy is adding the MH-60S aircraft to its search and rescue fleet as part of a fleet modernization plan. Thailand has expressed interest in purchasing additional MH-60S aircraft from the U.S. Navy.

The MH-60S helicopter features extensive airframe commonality and shares the same Lockheed Martin Common Cockpit™ avionic suite with the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R ‘Romeo’ anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopter. To date, the two multi-role aircraft have logged 450,000 flight hours with the digital cockpit, which helps pilots easily perform a range of maritime missions.

This has been a busy time for the MH-60 program. Denmark recently down selected the MH-60 Seahawk as one of two possibilities for the country’s combat helicopter competition. The MH-60 team is also involved with an opportunity in South Korea.

Last June, Lockheed Martin delivered the 100^th MH-60R to the U.S. Navy. A week earlier, Australia selected the MH-60R to fulfill its Defence Force’s requirement for a fleet of 24 new-generation, multi-role naval combat aircraft. Australia will acquire the helicopters through the U.S. Government’s Foreign Military Sales program. Sikorsky also celebrated the production of 300 MH-60 multi-mission helicopters for the U.S. Navy in late April.

Lockheed Martin continues to improve Apache sensors. Watch the...

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:15:00 -0500

Lockheed Martin continues to improve Apache sensors. Watch the latest video from Singapore.

Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Sensors Support Apache Mission Success into the Future

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:22:00 -0500

Lockheed Martin is developing greater capability for Apache pilots through Apache sensor upgrades such as the Modernized Day Sensor Assembly (M-DSA), VNsight visible/near infrared sensor, and network-centric VUIT video link.

Fielded since 2005, Lockheed Martin’s highly effective Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) provides Apache pilots with advanced, long-range, electro-optical precision engagement and pilotage capabilities for day, night and adverse weather missions. M-TADS/PNVS employs forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensors that provide enhanced image resolution to Apache pilots for precision targeting at significant standoff range.

The M-DSA replaces M-TADS/PNVS’ existing Day Sensor Assembly to enhance performance, resolve obsolescence issues and support improvements in sustainability and maintainability, enabling two-level maintenance compatible with M-TADS/PNVS Performance Based Logistics. M-DSA also increases reliability by enhancing M-TADS/PNVS mean time between failure rates.

The VNsight visible/near infrared sensor is integrated into the Modernized PNVS to provide Apache pilots significant tactical advantages and ensure safer flying conditions. Blending VNsight imagery with M-PNVS FLIR imagery allows pilots to see cultural and military lighting (lasers, markers, beacons, tracer rounds, etc.) in low-light-level conditions and situations where existing light sources cannot be imaged by the FLIR.

VUIT provides Apache pilots a common picture of the battlefield that is essential to successful combat operations. VUIT can be integrated into the LONGBOW Fire Control Radar (FCR), which provides Apache aircrews with target detection, location, classification and prioritization, as well as automatic and rapid multi-target engagement. VUIT is the network-centric link that enables real-time sharing of full-motion video from multiple aerial surveillance and reconnaissance resources to joint forces in the air and on the ground. By reducing the sensor-to-shooter timeline, VUIT enables soldiers to identify threats sooner and engage targets faster.

M-DSA, VNsight and VUIT are capability improvements that ensure the Apache remains the premier attack helicopter well into the future.

Check out our latest PAC-3 and THAAD video from Singapore.

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:14:00 -0500

Check out our latest PAC-3 and THAAD video from Singapore.

The PAC-3 Missile – Staying Ahead of the Evolving Threat

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:28:00 -0500

Lockheed Martin’s PAC-3 Missile successfully detected, tracked and intercepted an aerodynamic tactical ballistic missile target on November 1, 2011 in a flight test at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.

The test included a ripple fire engagement, utilizing a PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) Missile as the first interceptor and a PAC-3 Baseline Missile as the second interceptor. The CRI Missile includes block upgrades to the PAC-3 Baseline Missile for performance improvement.

“We continue to improve the capability of the PAC-3 Missile, staying ahead of the evolving threat,” said Richard McDaniel, PAC-3 Programs vice president in Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control business. “This flight test success completes the validation of PAC-3’s latest software and hardware updates as we continue to provide this extremely capable hit-to-kill weapon to the warfighter.”

The PAC-3 Missile is one of the world’s most advanced, capable and reliable theater air defense missiles. It defeats advanced tactical ballistic and cruise missiles, and fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. As the most technologically advanced missile for the PATRIOT air defense system, PAC-3 significantly increases the PATRIOT system’s firepower, as 16 PAC-3s can be loaded in place of only four legacy PATRIOT PAC-2 missiles on the PATRIOT launcher.

Lockheed Martin is producing the battle proven Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) Missile under a production contract for the U.S. Army Air and Missile Defense Program Executive Office. One hundred percent effective in Operation Iraqi Freedom, PAC-3 Missiles are now deployed with U.S. forces.

Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor on the PAC-3 Missile Segment upgrade to the Patriot air defense system. The PAC-3 Missile Segment upgrade consists of the PAC-3 Missile, a highly agile hit-to-kill interceptor, the PAC-3 Missile canisters (in four packs), a fire solution computer and an Enhanced Launcher Electronics System (ELES). These elements are integrated into the Patriot system, a high to medium altitude, long-range air defense missile system providing air defense of ground combat forces and high-value assets.

In 2009, Taiwan became the fifth international customer for the PAC-3 Missile, joining The Netherlands, Germany, Japan and the United Arab Emirates in fielding the system.

The PAC-3 Missile is a high velocity interceptor that defeats incoming targets by direct, body-to-body impact. The PAC-3 Missile uses a solid propellant rocket motor, aerodynamic controls, attitude control motors (ACMs) and inertial guidance to navigate. The missile flies to an intercept point specified prior to launch by its ground-based fire solution computer, which is embedded in the engagement control station. Target trajectory data can be updated during missile flyout by means of a radio frequency uplink /downlink.

Shortly before arrival at the intercept point, the PAC-3 Missile’s on board Ka band seeker acquires the target, selects the optimal aim point and terminal guidance is initiated. The ACMs, which are small, short duration solid propellant rocket motors located in the missile forebody, fire explosively to refine the missile’s course to assure body-to-body impact.

Yesterday was a busy day at the Singapore Airshow for Lockheed...

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:23:17 -0500

Yesterday was a busy day at the Singapore Airshow for Lockheed Martin. More to come today including pictures, video and stories!

2012 Singapore Airshow- Bookmark us for live updates from the...

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:44:00 -0500

2012 Singapore Airshow- Bookmark us for live updates from the show! And, check out our summary video from Day One.