EDINBURGH, UK, 17 May, 2007
SELEX Sensors and Airborne Systems (S&AS) UK has hosted the second annual supplier conference for the Merlin Capability Sustainment Plus Programme (MCSP) at its Edinburgh site.

Lockheed Martin UK, Prime Contractor and Systems Integrator for the programme, staged the conference with the aim of bringing together the leaders of the programme’s industrial partners to maintain cohesion and overall programme perspective and to explore opportunities for continual improvement. The conference was attended by all thirteen partners, together with representatives of the Royal Navy (RN), the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the associated Integrated Project Team.

The focus of this second conference was on the programme’s design phase and the route to achieving successful system level Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews in 2008. All teams were provided with an update of progress on the sustainment programme, as well as any further technological developments.

Ron Christenson, Lockheed Martin Group Managing Director at Lockheed Martin UK - Integrated Systems said, "I am really pleased with the level of participation from our MCSP partners. The positivity and enthusiasm of the team will continue to serve us well throughout the life of the programme."

Dave Graham, Director AESA Radar at SELEX S&AS Edinburgh said, "We were delighted to host the 2nd MCSP Supplier Conference at our Radar and Electro-Optics sensor facility in Edinburgh and to have the opportunity to re-affirm our commitment to the MCSP customer along with the other key partners to the programme".

The Merlin Capability Sustainment Programme was awarded to Lockheed Martin UK on December 21, 2005. Valued at £750 million the programme is expected to ensure that the Royal Navy’s EH101 Merlin Mk1 retains its position as the world's most capable maritime patrol helicopter. The MCSP is now being considered as part of the Defence Ministry's overall Future Rotorcraft Capability (FRC). The programme involves updating the computer architecture, flight controls and the installation of a multi-mission suite. It also reduces the whole-life costs and substantially increases the overall reliability of the systems. In addition the aircraft’s weight will be decreased, thereby allowing for an enhanced payload or time on station.

Partners include:

• SELEX Sensors & Airborne Systems UK
• THALES Under Water Systems
• Lockheed Martin UK - Integrated Systems
• Aerosystems International Limited
• Saab Avitronics
• QinetiQ
• AgustaWestland
• CAE Inc. /CAE plc.
• Ultra Electronics
• Barco N.V.
• Lockheed Martin Systems Integration – Owego
• Radstone Technology
• Tyco Electronics UK Ltd M/A-COM Division