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Sanders' ATIRCM/CMWS Successful in Sled Testing; Contractor Flight Tests Near Completion

NASHUA, NH, October 12th, 2000 -- Sanders, a Lockheed Martin Company, successfully concluded contractor "sled testing" on its Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures/Common Missile Warning System (ATIRCM/CMWS), at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., in late August, and is nearing completion of the Contractor Flight Testing phase of the program. Sled testing evaluated missile detection, tracking, and jam energy on target against moving missile threats. During sled testing, missiles were strapped to and launched on a rail system simulating live missile firings. Sanders' ATIRCM/CMWS, installed on a U.S. Army EH-60 helicopter, then identified, tracked and jammed the missile threats at distances ranging from 1.5 to 4 kilometers. Thirteen test flights were conducted, with the helicopter engaging in different attitudes and airspeeds from stationary hover to 120 knots, accelerating and decelerating, and flying varied angles of approach. Scenarios involved both single missiles and two missiles launched simultaneously.

In every test, the ATIRCM/CMWS successfully detected, tracked and placed laser energy on the target.

Murray Collette, Sanders' ATIRCM/CMWS flight test director said, "We are extraordinarily pleased with these test results which validate the effectiveness of the system against moving missile threats. It was an excellent opportunity to continue to demonstrate the outstanding capabilities of ATIRCM/CMWS."

Contractor flight testing will conclude this month with Electromagnetic Vulnerability testing at Dahlgren Naval Air Station, Va., paving the way for a scheduled Development Testing Readiness Review this fall, and the beginning of Government Developmental Flight Testing.

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.

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