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Lockheed Martin's Tactical Input Segment Demonstrates Full Interoperability With F/A-18 SHARP Sensor

Tests Prove TIS is Only Imagery Processing System With Full SHARP Compatibility

Gaithersburg, MD, November 13th, 2003 -- The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] developed Tactical Input Segment (TIS), the U.S. Navy's imagery processing system of record, recently demonstrated full compatibility with the F/A-18 Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) during live-fly tests at the Naval Air Station in Fallon, NV. The tests proved that TIS could effectively receive, process and disseminate electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) SHARP images in real time.

TIS successfully received more than 1,400 SHARP reconnaissance images through the Common Data Link, which were then processed for targeting on the TIS workstation and forwarded to the Image Product Library, Precision Targeting Workstation and Global Command and Control System - Maritime for target prosecution. A critical component of the Joint Service Imagery Products and Services ? Navy (JSIPS-N), TIS provides the receipt, initial processing and exploitation capability for both situational awareness and time-sensitive targeting.

"This test represents the first time the Navy has been able to successfully execute real-time, end-to-end SHARP imagery processing from sensor to shooter," said Amy Krause, TIS Program Manager. "This capability will significantly accelerate intelligence processing timelines, particularly the time-critical targeting cycle."

TIS is a deployed imagery processing system that replaces the Navy's legacy "wet film" capability with a fully-digital, real-time imagery workstation. Under previous systems, airborne sensors would have to land and unload rolls of film, which were developed and processed on hard copy. TIS can receive and process digital imagery over a wireless data link, reducing the time required to process imagery from upwards of ten hours to less than ten minutes.

TIS is currently the only initial image exploitation system capable of receiving and processing images from the F/A-18 SHARP sensor. Working in tandem with the PTW, TIS enables rapid target acquisition and situational awareness. A ship-board SHARP operational test is planned for early 2004, which will certify the real-time TIS-SHARP data link for operational deployment.

Through a partnership with Utah State University Research Foundation Space Dynamics Laboratory (USURF/SDL) and the Naval Research Laboratory, Lockheed Martin accelerated the processing of imagery from the F/A-18 SHARP pod through the TIS system. SDL's expertise with the Navy Information System (NAVIS) was key to the SHARP enhancement.

TIS is currently deployed to 10 Navy ships and shore sites, with three additional units planned for deployment in the next few months. The system supported imagery processing missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom for SHARP and is capable of processing other legacy EO and IR sensors, as well as Synthetic Aperture Radar sensors. TIS is also compatible with the future Distributed Common Ground Station (DCGS), the next-generation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) network.

SHARP replaces the current Carrier Air Wing tactical reconnaissance capability provided by the film-based F-14 Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS). Fleet introduction of the SHARP system was on the F/A-18F Super Hornet with its early operational capability on the USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

Matt Kramer, (301) 240-7350; e-mail, matthew.s.kramer@lmco.com