• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract For Initial Study Of SSGN Attack Weapon System

NE&SS - Marine Systems Draws Upon Proven Experience in The Launcher Business

BALTIMORE, MD, June 11th, 2001 -- Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics and Surveillance Systems (NE&SS) - Marine Systems announced today that it has been selected to compete for the missile launcher design incorporated into the U.S. Navy's proposed SSGN conversion program. The contract, signed with the Navy's Strategic Systems Program (SSP) office, calls for the concept exploration, program definition and risk analysis associated with the design of a missile launcher capable of firing multiple Tomahawk-type missiles from a converted Trident ballistic missile submarine. The contract is valued at $1.6 million. The SSGN conversion program is a proposed U.S. Navy effort to convert four OHIO-class submarines from nuclear deterrent platforms into cruise missile shooters (SSGNs).

"We are absolutely thrilled over the Navy's decision to name us as one of the competitors for this system," said Dale Bennett, Vice President and General Manager, NE&SS-Marine Systems. "This is a validation of our superb track record and over 25 years of experience in the vertical launching business with our MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS). The MK 41 is found in more than 152 ships in 11 navies worldwide, with a .99 probability of launch. Using our proven experience in the shipboard design, development and installation of the MK 41, we're well-positioned to meet the challenges of a new submarine missile launcher," said Bennett.

The current contract calls for competition between NE&SS - Marine Systems and Northrop Grumman until January 2002, at which time SSP will select one contractor to proceed to the demonstration validation phase, lasting up to a year-and-a-half.

Specializing in the MK41 VLS, systems integration and advanced hull form technologies, NE&SS - Marine Systems is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced-technology systems, products and services. The company's core businesses are systems integration, space, aeronautics and technology services.

Tom Greer, 410-682-1140