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Lockheed Martin Wins Contract for Preplanned Program Improvement Upgrades to MH-60R and MH-60S Helicopters

OWEGO, NY, November 18th, 2004 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has received a $19.9 million contract under the first phase of a multiyear program to increase the capability of the U.S. Navy's MH-60R and MH-60S multimission helicopters.

Under this contract, Lockheed Martin will develop and integrate technologies that improve communication capabilities between the MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters and other U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and NATO aircraft, as well as U.S. Navy surface ships.

Major elements of the upgrade contract include integration of Link 16, a command and control data link, to allow the helicopters and other aircraft to exchange situational awareness data; and a Ku-band data link, providing a high-capacity data pipeline from a helicopter to a ship. The upgrade also will provide increased mission planning capability, an improved multispectral targeting system and forward-looking infrared sensor (MTS-FLIR), and enhanced maintenance and reliability with addition of an integrated mechanical diagnostic system. Development and integration will occur through 2007 with deployment planned for 2009.

"This program will continue to extend the MH-60 platform capability to ensure that fleet requirements are addressed," said Jeff Bantle, vice president of Multi-Mission Solutions for Lockheed Martin Systems Integration – Owego.

The MH-60S and MH-60R helicopters are delivered with a Lockheed Martin Common Cockpit that includes full-color, night vision device-capable, sunlight-readable displays, digital communications, fully integrated global positioning system and inertial navigation system, mass memory data storage, and integrated mission computer. The integrated Common Cockpit is based on open systems architecture using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology. The Common Cockpit is Instrument Meteorological Condition (IMC) certified and has flown more than 65,000 hours since fleet introduction in 2002.

Lockheed Martin is the systems integrator for the MH-60R and provides the cockpit, which is common to all MH-60S and MH-60R helicopters. Sikorsky designs and manufactures the MH-60S and MH-60R aircraft and is responsible for the mechanical and electrical modifications on the airframe.

Jan Gottfredsen, (607) 751-2598; e-mail, janet.gottfredsen@lmco.com