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Lockheed Martin Completes Successful MLRS M270A1 Confidence Demonstration

DALLAS, TX, March 23rd, 2000 -- Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control - Dallas has successfully completed a five-day-long Confidence Demonstration on the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) M270A1 improved launcher. The purpose of the demonstration, which was supported and conducted by soldiers from Fort Sill, Okla., was to show the robustness and stability of the current enhanced MLRS M270A1 system software incorporated from customer testing late last year. Three M270A1 launchers were used during the Confidence Demonstration.

The testing included a surge-level mission events list, which greatly increased the number and frequency of simulated fire missions as the testing progressed.

"We conducted 322 successful digital fire missions in a tactical environment using the entire family of MLRS munitions," said Ron Abbott, vice president - Fire Support for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "The soldiers simulated firings of the standard MLRS M26 rockets, extended-range M26A1 rockets and all three ATACMS rounds; Block I, Block IA and Block II. Throughout the testing, the M270A1 software and hardware performed exceptionally well."

The M270A1 program is on schedule to complete Operational Test (OT) in May '01.

The MLRS M270A1 launcher features an updated fire control system and position navigation unit embedding Global Positioning System (GPS). The M270A1 system also features an open architecture that is user-friendly, and includes faster processors with plug-and-play capability. The improved fire control system will also result in reduced operations and sustainment costs of launchers in active and National Guard units.

Additionally, the M270A1 incorporates the Improved Launcher Mechanical System (ILMS), designed to increase responsiveness and survivability. The ILMS dramatically reduces the time needed to aim and reload the launcher. In a typical fire mission, the M270A1 launcher is six times faster than the M270 launcher. Reload time is decreased by more than 30 percent. Crew and launcher survivability will be greatly enhanced because total exposure time on the battlefield will be significantly reduced.

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 seven program/mission areas: Strike Weapons, Air Defense, Anti-Armor, Naval Munitions, Fire Control and Sensors, Fire Support and Product Development.

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