Lockheed Martin Celebrates Successful MH-53M IDAS/MATT Program During 25th Aircraft Delivery Event
OWEGO, NY, June 6th, 2000 -- Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force today conducted a ceremony at Crestview Aerospace Corporation in Crestview, Fla. to mark the delivery of the 25th MH-53M Pave Low IV production aircraft and to celebrate seven years of success on the MH-53M Interactive Defensive Avionics System/Multi-Mission Advanced Tactical Terminal (IDAS/MATT) During the event, Brigadier General James B. Armor, Jr., officially delivered the 25th Aircraft to the 16th Special Operations Wing, U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). Armor is the vice commander of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center (WR-ALC), Warner Robins, Ga. The special operations forces system program office there manages technical and logistical support for all Air Force special operations forces aircraft and all Air Force helicopters.
"The MH-53 aircraft has proven its capability through actual battlefield experience, including the rescue of a downed F-117A Stealth Fighter pilot behind enemy lines just three days into NATO's war with Yugoslavia," said Armor. "MH-53 helicopters have also played strategic roles in humanitarian efforts, such as providing assistance to flood-ravaged nations in Africa. The IDAS/MATT modification to the Pave Low IV aircraft provides the enhanced situational awareness capability the Air Force depends upon to carry out specialized missions such as these.
"I'm pleased to recognize all those who contributed to the development, testing and installation of the IDAS/MATT system. From where I stand, the entire program operation is seamless, and I don't see a crack or a wedge in the seal. I'd like to personally thank everyone whose tireless efforts have made this program successful."
The MH-53M Pave Low IV helicopter provides long-range vertical lift capability for AFSOC, performing deep infiltration, exfiltration and re-supply of special operations forces personnel and equipment. IDAS/MATT improves defensive capabilities of this helicopter by enhancing situational awareness, reducing operator workload and improving threat detection and avoidance.
The Air Force selected Lockheed Martin Owego for the IDAS/MATT modification in 1993. As prime system integrator, Lockheed Martin Owego is responsible for total system performance, including avionics systems integration, software development, test and evaluation, kit delivery, subcontractor management and logistics support.
To date, Lockheed Martin has delivered 28 IDAS/MATT production kits, 25 for aircraft and three for use in Air Force labs. Production installation is performed by the Raytheon Systems Company at the Crestview Aerospace Corporation in Crestview, Fla., under a separate contract with WR-ALC.
The 25th MH-53M Pave Low IV aircraft is also the 11th aircraft delivered by WR-ALC under the MH-53M IDAS/MATT Contract Production Option V, which completes this month. Twelve aircraft had been delivered previously under Production Option IV, and two pre-production kits had been delivered for trial install and kit-proof aircraft prior to that.
"We look forward to a continued bright future for the IDAS/MATT program as the Air Force works toward completing all 38 MH-53M Pave Low IV modifications to IDAS/MATT configurations under Option VI," said Stephen D. Ramsey, vice president, Aerospace Systems. "Having the capability that IDAS/MATT provides to know what the enemy can actually see and target and to avoid the threat is vital to the success of special operations forces' missions. Wherever these forces are deployed, IDAS/MATT technology can help ensure the survivability of aircraft and aircrew."
A leader in providing advanced-technology products, services and systems integration solutions, Lockheed Martin Owego serves defense, civil and commercial customers worldwide. Lockheed Martin Owego 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.
Kippen Stalma (607) 751-2598, e-mail: kippen.stalma@lmco.com
Mike Drake (607) 751-2598, e-mail: mike.drake@lmco.com
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