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Lockheed Martin Performs Second Successful Army Tactical Missile Block IA Unitary Test Flight

DALLAS, TX, March 25th, 2003 -- Lockheed Martin successfully conducted another flight test of the Army Tactical Missile System (Army TACMS) Block IA Unitary variant recently at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. This was the second successful test flight of the Block IA Unitary version of Army TACMS. The Army TACMS Block IA Unitary is a U.S. Army initiative developed as a result of lessons learned in the Kosovo conflict. In December 2000, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control was awarded the contract to develop the Army TACMS Unitary missile. The initiative was established as a Quick Reaction Program to rapidly deploy a tactical capability for the U.S. Army. The government furnished a proven unitary warhead (SLAM/HARPOON WAU-23/B), and Lockheed Martin integrated it into an existing Army TACMS Block IA missile.

Delivery of the first missile for flight test took place just four months after contract award. That flight test was conducted in April 2001 and was a complete success.

"The Army TACMS Unitary variant adds yet another dimension to the battlefield commander's ability to accomplish the mission," said Ron Abbott, vice president - Tactical Missiles for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Our goal is to continue to expand the variety of Army TACMS munitions available to our customer in order to help them fully address any threat."

Army TACMS was the first tactical surface-to-surface missile ever fired in combat by the U.S. Army, when it was deployed in Operation Desert Storm. The Army TACMS Block IA Unitary Missile is the latest addition to the current Army TACMS Family of Munitions. The Army TACMS Block IA Unitary Missile is an all weather day/night rapid response missile that provides the Army the capability to attack high-payoff, time sensitive targets with limited collateral damage.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control develops, manufactures and integrates world-class air defense, fire support, strike weapon, naval munition, combat vision, anti-armor and advanced product solutions and systems for U.S. and international armed forces.

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