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Lockheed Martin Completes Two Successful Tests of New Ladar Seeker for Locaas

DALLAS, TX, January 11th, 2000 -- Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control - Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control - Dallas has recently completed two successful Laser Detection And Ranging (LADAR) seeker tests as part of the Low Cost Autonomous Attack System (LOCAAS) Advanced Technology Demonstration program.

In the third quarter of 1999, an extensive data collection program was conducted at Ft. Bliss, McGregor Range in New Mexico. Images were collected over a number of military targets in representative terrain. The seeker that was used in that effort was then turned over to the Air Force Research Laboratory at Eglin AFB, Fla., for use in future testing.

In the fourth quarter of 1999, tower tests at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., were conducted to characterize the performance of Lockeed Martin's new seven-inch tactically sized seeker. The new LADAR seeker performed as planned, with the testing confirming its readiness for use in the upcoming free flight testing of the powered LOCAAS vehicle.

Lockheed Martin is developing a low cost, high resolution LADAR seeker in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Army. The LADAR can be used to guide smart munitions, provide a second mode for fire control systems or be used as the primary seeker for surveillance platforms.

The company is designing and demonstrating LOCAAS under the direction of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory at Eglin AFB. Development is focused on miniature munition requirements for theater missile defense, suppression of enemy air defenses and interdiction missions.

Development of LOCAAS will provide a solution for the Air Force Miniature Munition Capability mission need for legacy aircraft (F-16, F-15, B-1 and B-2) as well as next generation fighters (F-22 and Joint Strike Fighter). With a design-to-unit production cost goal of $33,000, and the small size (31 inch length, 85 pounds), LOCAAS will be an affordable, yet effective, munition.

Located in Dallas and Orlando, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control develops, manufactures and supports advanced combat, missile, rocket and space systems. The company is organized in six program/mission areas: Strike Weapons, Air Defense, Anti-Armor, Fire Control and Sensors, Fire Support and Product Development. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is headed by President James F. Berry.

Craig Vanbebber, 972-603-1615
e-mail craig.vanbebber@lmco.com