Homeland Security

Lockheed Martin Issued a $4 Million Delivery Order for U.S. Air Force Aerostat Radar

Lighter-Than-Air Platform Provides U.S. Border Security

AKRON, OH, July 16th, 2003 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) received a $4 million order to deliver a second U.S. Air Force Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) L-88(V)3 radar for installation at Cudjoe Key, Fla., later this year. This award exercises an option included in the 2002 TARS L-88(V)3 radar contract, which requires upgrading the current systems used for border security along the coastal and inland border from Puerto Rico to California through 2008. The Air Force has selected the L-88(V)3 radar, integrated with the Lockheed Martin 420K (420,000-cubic-foot aerostat), as the standard configuration for the TARS network. The L-88(V)3 radar builds upon Lockheed Martin's successful L-88 system architecture by incorporating contemporary commercial technology while substantially reducing installed weight.

"Weight reduction is key to improving performance of lighter-than-air platforms, which opens new operational options to our customers," said Ron Browning, business development director of surveillance systems at Lockheed Martin. "For example, the 420K / L-88(V)3 combination allows for added sensor installation to enhance the vehicle's mission capabilities. Alternatively, the L-88(V)3 can be installed in a smaller aerostat, such as the Cudjoe Key 275K, to increase deployment options and decrease costs. Attention to weight will continue to be one of our leading design drivers," he said. "This aerostat / radar configuration provides a highly effective, low-cost surveillance capability, and is an essential complement to other assets deployed along our coasts and borders."

TARS provides radar coverage in support of air sovereignty and counter-drug operations conducted by North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs Air and Marine Interdiction Coordination Center. All operational TARS sites, with the exception of Cudjoe Key, utilize the standard 420K/L-88 configuration.

Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics and Surveillance Systems (NE&SS)-Radar Systems serves as the TARS system integrator. The team designs, builds, installs, tests, and supports the L-88(V)3 radar system. The L-88 radar, which provides 360-degree coverage at ranges up to 200 nautical miles, connects to the underside of the aerostat and is enclosed by a fabric windscreen.

NE&SS-Radar Systems in Akron provides laser-based commercial and electronic warfare products, sensor systems, aircrew simulation and training systems, antisubmarine warfare and surveillance systems to customers worldwide.

Katharine Malene, 330.796.2122, katharine.malene@lmco.com