Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, TRW form new company for national missile defense
April 22, 1997 01:00 PM EDT
CRYSTAL CITY, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 22, 1997--
United Missile Defense Company (UMDC), a joint venture equally
owned by Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and TRW, has been formed
to assist the U.S. Government in developing a comprehensive
and effective system to defend the nation against a ballistic missile
attack.
United Missile Defense Company will be staffed with individuals
from all three companies who possess unique experience in
systems integration; missile and air defense; land and sea-based
ballistic missiles; hit-to-kill technology; space and ground-based
early warning systems; strategic and tactical radar; and battle
management command, control and communications.
"Developing a system to protect the American people and the
freedoms we hold dear is a special responsibility. UMDC is
committed to performing this vital role for our nation," said
Norman R. Augustine, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of Lockheed Martin Corporation.
"The United Missile Defense Company represents a cooperative
effort that brings together the talent of people with unparalleled
background in major defense acquisition programs, and ballistic
missile defense programs," said Dennis Picard, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Raytheon Company. "These skills
will be critical to meeting the complex challenge of successfully
developing, integrating, testing and ultimately deploying an NMD
system to defend our country."
"The uncertain world we live in makes it critical that our nation
be protected against the full range of threats we face. Foremost
among these is the threat of a limited ballistic missile attack by
unfriendly governments," said Joseph T. Gorman, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of TRW Inc. "There is a consensus in
this country about the need to be prepared to deploy an NMD
system in the future. This is the mission of the UMDC."
As part of its first order of business, the company recently
submitted a proposal in response to an RFP issued by the
Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) earlier this
year to conduct an NMD Lead System Integration (LSI)
Concept Definition (CD) study. This study will help to resolve
key architecture issues and pave the way for developing a
flexible and executable NMD system. BMDO is expected to
make multiple LSI CD study awards on May 1, 1997.
The UMDC executive staff and key personnel are in the
process of relocating to Crystal City.
Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space, Sunnyvale, Calif., is a
leading supplier of missiles and spacecraft to various military,
civil government and commercial communications organizations.
The company's products have enhanced military readiness,
improved military and civilian communications; provided new,
extensive and timely weather data; studied the Earth and space;
and furnished new data for thousands of scientists studying our
planet and the space around it.
Raytheon Company, Lexington, Mass., is a leading international
high- technology company with extensive operations in commercial
and defense electronics, engineering and construction, and
aircraft and major appliances. Well known for their total systems
integration, deployment and sustainment capabilities, Raytheon's
defense products are operational worldwide in the hands of U.S.
and foreign military personnel.
TRW Systems Integration Group, headquartered in Fairfax, Va.,
is a leader in the development and application of systems
engineering, systems integration, information systems and
software development products and services for defense
and civil space markets.
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