Lockheed Martin Minehunting System Completes Another Successful Testing Milestone
SYRACUSE, NY, October 18th, 2002 -- Lockheed Martin today announced the successful completion of a developmental test for the launch and recovery system that will be used on Arleigh Burke DDG 51-Class guided missile destroyers equipped with the AN/WLD-1(V)1 Remote Minehunting System (RMS). The Launch and Recovery System (L&RS) demonstration was conducted at Lockheed Martin Perry Technologies, Riviera Beach, Fl., witnessed by Navy, Lockheed Martin and subcontractor representatives. "The satisfactory achievement of this significant program milestone as we move into Phase II of our development effort keeps us on course to provide an organic mine reconnaissance capability to our fleet battle groups," said Captain Terry Briggs, RMS Program Manager. "This is another important step towards delivery of the RMS to USS Pinkney (DDG 91) in November 2003 for Technical Evaluation in preparation for its first deployment in 2005."
Using a dockside mockup of a DDG 51-class Launch/Recovery Room and related spaces, the test successfully demonstrated the launch and recovery of the Remote Minehunting Vehicle (RMV) and attached Variable Depth Sensor (VDS) using the new L&RS system. The Navy Operational Test and Evaluation staff conducted full operations of the equipment after first observing operation of the system by Lockheed Martin personnel. They found the system to be straightforward, easy to operate, and safe for operations in the Fleet.
Navy representatives described the sequential inter-locks within the L&RS handling system as unique, as they do not allow the system operator to perform an improper procedural step. Saying they were pleased with safety features for the L&RS, the team suggested key aspects of the RMS launch and recovery system be considered for use in other shipboard systems such as Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) handling systems.
Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems-Undersea Systems (NE&SS-Undersea Systems) is developing RMS in Syracuse, N.Y., and Riviera Beach, Fl., under a contract awarded by the Navy in December 1999. It will provide DDG-51 Flight IIA guided missile destroyers with the Fleet's first-ever organic mine reconnaissance capability using an unmanned remote vehicle. Key elements of RMS include a diesel-powered, semi-submersible, RMV with a deployable VDS, line of sight and over-the-horizon real-time data links, a shipboard launch and recovery subsystem, and a software segment, which integrates RMS into the ship's AN/SQQ-89(V)15 Undersea Warfare System.
Fred Henney, 703-367-4440; e-mail, fred.henney@lmco.com
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