Lockheed Martin Awarded $53 Million Contract for New Targeting Pods
ORLANDO, FL, January 28th, 1999 -- Lockheed Martin will build an additional 26 LANTIRN targeting pods for the U.S. Navy's fleet of F-14 Tomcat strike fighters under a contract option modification worth $53 million.
The new equipment will further strengthen the day/night attack capabilities of 12 Tomcat squadrons now operating around the world. The F-14 strike fighter proved its mettle in combat for the first time recently during Operation Desert Fox in the Middle East.
Work on the FY 1999 acquisition will begin immediately, and is expected to be completed in 2002. To date, the Navy has ordered 86 LANTIRN targeting pods, including spare pods, from Lockheed Martin, which developed and manufactures the system for the U.S. Navy, Air Force and eleven international customers.
The LANTIRN targeting pod allows pilots to pinpoint targets day or night from standoff ranges, and deliver conventional munitions and laser-guided weapons with great accuracy using an infrared sensor and a laser designator/range finder.
Originally built for F-15E and F-16C/D fighters, LANTIRN was modified for the F-14 with a global positioning system (GPS) and an inertial navigation subsystem. Data from these systems provide the strike fighter precise steering, range and target bearing information for increased weapon accuracy.
With company headquarters located in Orlando, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is a world leader in electro-optics, smart munitions, anti armor and air defense systems. The company is an operating element of Lockheed Martin Electronics Sector, based in Bethesda, Maryland.
Nettie Johnson, 407-356-5351
e-mail nettie.r.johnson@lmco.com
Mary Jo Polidore, 407-346-2207
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
