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Lockheed Martin Announces Development of Single Cell Launcher for Emerging Ship Self Defense Requirements

BALTIMORE, MD, March 25th, 2002 -- Lockheed Martin and teammate United Defense, LP, are drawing upon their proven experience with the MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) to develop a new Single Cell (SCL) launcher. The SCL is intended for ships either too small for the traditional eight-cell MK 41 or with mission requirements not requiring an eight-cell launcher.

The SCL will provide an affordable solution for improved ship self defense requirements on aircraft carriers, large-deck amphibious ships, and other smaller surface combatants, such as corvettes and frigates. SCL is based on proven MK 41 technology and incorporates the latest Baseline VII Launch Control System (LCS), and other Computer-off-the-Shelf (COTS) components. Additionally, SCL will integrate the MK 25 Quad Pack Canister, capable of accommodating the launch of four Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles from one missile cell. The MK 25 has already been integrated with the MK 41, providing Lockheed Martin engineers the experience to execute a successful integration with the SCL. Due to its single cell modularity, the SCL can be configured in any number to meet the defined mission.

According to Jim Tucker, director of launching systems at Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems (NE&SS)-Marine Systems, "The SCL modularity will be unmatched by any current U.S. Navy missile system and will provide the flexibility needed to meet missile launcher requirements for a variety of ship classes."

Dale Bennett, vice president and general manager, NE&SS-Marine Systems, noted that "The U.S. Navy already has over 20 years and $500 million invested in the MK 41, and any potential SCL customer will truly benefit from the shared components, technical and logistics support currently in place. The fact that the MK 41 is found aboard 16 different ship classes in 11 navies worldwide speaks volumes about our experience and global acceptance in the launcher business."

A prototype of the SCL is scheduled for completion later this year and a restrained test firing will be conducted in late 2002 or early 2003.

Members of the media interested in further details on the SCL launcher and its applications should attend our media briefing at the U.S. Navy League's Sea-Air-Space Exposition at the Mariott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC at 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2002. For more information on attending the exposition, see the Navy League's web site at www.navyleague.org

Lockheed Martin NE&SS provides surface ship and submarine weapon systems, antisubmarine warfare and ocean surveillance systems, missile launching systems, radar and sensor systems, ship systems integration services and other advanced systems and services to customers worldwide. NE&SS is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) headquartered in Bethesda, MD. The corporation's principal business areas are aeronautics, space, systems integration and technology services.

NE&SS - Marine Systems, Tom Greer, 443-742-5833