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Sanders Completes Captive Seeker Testing for ATIRCM/CMWS

NASHUA, NH, August 16th, 2000 -- Sanders, a Lockheed Martin Company, has successfully completed the initial phase of Contractor Flight Testing for the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures/Common Missile Warning System (ATIRCM/CMWS). Sanders and test personnel from the U.S. Army's Aviation Technical Test Center completed Captive Seeker Testing on an Army EH-60 helicopter Aug. 3 at Sanders' test range facilities in Merrimack, N.H. The Captive Seeker Tests demonstrated ATIRCM/CMWS's ability to defeat five key missile seekers and provided data for reducing potential false alarms. Contractor Flight Testing now shifts to Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The EH-60 helicopter continues to be the test platform for sled testing which began at Holloman on Aug. 11. These tests will evaluate the system's ability to detect and defeat a missile threat on a moving platform.

Alan Mertz, Sanders' ATIRCM/CMWS program manager, said the Captive Seeker Testing success was a prerequisite for Holloman sled tests and represents "another major milestone for this program. This testing provides key data demonstrating the system's ability to jam missile seekers in flight."

The full ATIRCM/CMWS system, being developed at Sanders under an engineering and manufacturing development contract, consists of passive missile warning, active infrared jamming and improved countermeasure dispensers. The system is currently designated for installation on the AH-64, UH-60, CH-47, EH-60 and various Special Operations aircraft. The CMWS is scheduled for deployment on other helicopters and tactical fixed-wing aircraft as well.

Sanders is an operating company of the Lockheed Martin Corporation, and a major producer of aircraft self-protection systems and tactical surveillance and intelligence systems for all branches of the armed forces. Other major business areas include microwave, mission and space electronics; infrared imaging; and automated mission planning systems.

John Measell, (603) 885-2810; e-mail: john.h.measell@lmco.com Marianne Murphy, (603) 885-2812; e-mail: marianne.murphy@lmco.com