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Lockheed Martin To Provide U.S. Navy New Acoustic Processor

OWEGO, NY, March 20th, 2000 -- Lockheed Martin Federal Systems has been awarded a $13.6 million sole-source contract by the U.S. Navy for a new Acoustic Processor Subsystem to be integrated into four prototype SH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters. The subsystem will employ a general-purpose processor, representing a shift from the special-purpose, custom-designed processors previously used for airborne sonar signal processing. "The Acoustic Processor is a technology breakthrough that provides the Navy the ability to upgrade its sonar-processing capability," commented Jim Hargrave, vice president, Helo Systems at Lockheed Martin Federal Systems. "It gives our customer advanced technology, enhanced effectiveness and flexibility to expand beyond the rotary-wing aircraft arena. The Navy will realize these operational benefits in addition to significant cost-savings resulting from the move to a general-purpose processor."

Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the Acoustic Processor Subsystem and will provide the infrastructure including its Single Board Computer (SCB) assemblies, known as the SP-103A PowerPC 603e/604e/740¿, chassis, power systems, operating systems and the application support programs.

Lockheed Martin's Acoustic Processor Subsystem, with the general-purpose single board computer, is a technology breakthrough that provides the Navy the ability to upgrade its sonar- processing capability to accommodate technology advancements and custom designs, without requiring extensive reprogramming. The high performance SP-103A SBC general-purpose processor also forms the base architecture used for the SH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopter's flight and mission computers. Lockheed Martin's Acoustic Processor Subsystem will provide the Navy significant life-cycle efficiencies across approximately 250 SH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopter systems, including cost savings in development, acquisition and maintenance.

The new Acoustic Processor Subsystem replaces the existing AN/UYS-2A acoustic processor. Also, it will enhance the Navy's capability for post processing of the Dipping Sonar (aircraft-attached) and Sonobuoy (water-borne) sonar signals and will enable helicopter command of Sonobuoy functions. The Acoustic Processor Subsystem will be compatible and have logical interfaces with the SH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopter and meet its open architecture standards.

A leader in providing advanced-technology products, services and systems integration solutions, Lockheed Martin Federal Systems serves defense, civil and commercial customers worldwide. Lockheed Martin Federal Systems employs about 3,800 employees at facilities in Owego, N.Y., Springfield, Va. and Portsmouth, United Kingdom and is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Michael Drake, (607) 751-2598