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Lockheed Martin's Guided MLRS Rocket Successfully Completes First Engineering Development Test

DALLAS, TX, November 8th, 2001 -- The U.S. Army and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control successfully tested a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rocket November 7 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. This was the first engineering development flight test (EDT) of the Guided MLRS rocket. Six EDT tests are planned. The missile was launched from an MLRS M270 launcher. Major test objectives included the successful launch of the missile from the canister, nominal motor performance, tail fin deployment and rotation, as well as telemetry, guidance and control system performance. Preliminary data indicate all test objectives were successfully achieved.

"Our international team's ability to work together and maintain program schedule, in part, is what made this first engineering and development test a success," said Ron Abbott, vice president - Fire Support for Missiles and Fire Control. "We are very pleased with the program's progress."

The Guided MLRS rocket program is an international cooperative program between the U.S., U.K., Italy, France and Germany.

The Guided MLRS rocket incorporates a global positioning system (GPS)-aided inertial guidance package integrated on a product-improved rocket body. Additionally, small canards on the GMLRS rocket nose will provide basic maneuverability and enhance the accuracy of the system. Guided MLRS initial operational capability is scheduled for FY'04.

Guided MLRS is the next major step in the evolution of the MLRS Family of Munitions, offering advanced capabilities, reduced logistics support and precision attack. The rocket will have a range of approximately 60 kilometers.

Employing more than 8,500 people, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with additional base operations in Orlando, Fla., and manufacturing and assembly facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif., Chelmsford, Mass., Camden, Ark., Horizon City and Lufkin, Texas, Ocala, Fla., White Sands Missile Range, N.M., and Troy, Ala. The company is a business unit of Lockheed Martin Systems Integration in Bethesda, Md.

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

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