Orlando, FL, June 30th, 1998 -- Longbow International (LBI), a Lockheed Martin/Northrop Grumman joint venture, delivered the first Longbow Fire Control Radar for the British Army's new WAH-64 Westland Apache attack helicopter Monday - more than a month ahead of contract schedule.

Representatives from prime contractor GKN Westland Helicopters, Limited, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman took a break from a program review Wednesday to mark the occasion at a ceremony.

Starting in September, eight British companies will begin delivering components for the Longbow radars. They are GKN Westland Aerospace (aft dome and hub); Chelton/Complas (radome); MBM Technology and Verdict Aerospace (machined subassemblies); and GEC Marconi, British Aerospace, M/A COM, and Lucas Aerospace (electronic subassemblies.)

The U.S./UK team is under contract for 68 Longbow radar systems. Work on the program will extend to June 2003.

The Longbow radar is the heart of the Westland Apache system, enabling the aircrew to track up to 256 ground targets simultaneously for engagement by a new generation of radar-guided "fire-and-forget" Hellfire anti-tank missiles. The radar and missile combination enables the Apache to detect, classify, and prioritize ground targets day or night, in poor weather and obscured conditions; then engage those targets with pinpoint accuracy from ranges that safeguard the lives of British pilots.

"This represents LBI's first delivery to an international customer," said Northrop Grumman's Carroll Marriott, joint venture program manager of the Longbow fire control radar UK program. Added Lockheed Martin's Chuck Moutoux, deputy program manager, "It supports our objective of expanding into the international marketplace through strategic alliances with top international aerospace firms."

The Westland Apache was chosen as the future attack helicopter for the British Army in June 1995. Led by GKN Westland Helicopters, Ltd., Yeovil, England, the Westland Apache Team includes more than 170 companies in the United Kingdom, plus Boeing Helicopter, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman of the U.S.

Based in Orlando and Baltimore, respectively, Lockheed Martin Electronics & Missiles and Northrop Grumman's Electronic Sensors and Systems Division are leading developers of advanced combat systems for the armed forces.

Nettie Johnson, 407-356-5351e-mail nettie.r.johnson@lmco.com