LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, November 24th, 1999 -- Lockheed Martin UK Government Systems has joined forces with the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) to support the development of a Joint Maritime Simulation Facility (JMSF). The new capability, which will be based at the DERA site at Farnborough, will be used to define the requirements and assess the potential of a range of current and future maritime airborne platforms. Lockheed Martin already have considerable experience in this arena, having developed the Lockheed Martin Tactical Development System as part of the Merlin HM Mk1 programme for the Royal Navy. The system, which was developed with their subcontractor GKN Westland Systems Assessment Ltd, of Yeovil, has played a vital role in the Merlin test programme. This expertise will complement the ongoing research programme underway in DERA, which is developing tactical aids and evaluating options for future maritime helicopter and fixed wing weapon systems.

The new JMSF will bring together a range of simulation technologies developed by Lockheed Martin and by DERA, with Government Furnished hardware, to provide a realistic air platform simulator for operational aircrew trials. The system will provide human-machine interface testing, tactics development and assessment of future aircraft requirements to support procurement decisions. The first trials will consider continuing development of the Merlin Helicopter in its wider role in Anti-surface Vessel Operations.

The new Secretary of State for Defence, Geoffrey Hoon, was given a demonstration of the prototype recently when he visited DERA.

Speaking on the JMSF contract, Dain Morritt, the MoD Research Customer, said, "The JMSF has a great deal of enthusiastic support from the Applied Research Programme Customer and he is looking forward to an exciting series of simulation trials once it is completed."

Peter Schultz, President of Lockheed Martin UK GS commented, "The JMSF project is a very exciting new business opportunity for Lockheed Martin and we are all looking forward to working with the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency to produce a world-class simulation facility.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) is an Agency of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and incorporates the bulk of the MOD's non-nuclear research, technology and test and evaluation establishments. 2. DERA is one of Europe's largest single research organisations. Among its 12,000 staff DERA employs many leading scientists and internationally acclaimed experts. It offers a unique range of services, from the highest level of operational studies and analysis, through the various categories of basic and applied research, to consultancy advice on the procurement process and the test and evaluation of specific equipment in both the development phase and during actual operations. 3. DERA's test facilities include indoor and outdoor ranges for weapon effectiveness trials, underwater target ranges and marine testing facilities, automotive test tracks and climatic testing laboratories. 4. DERA's pioneering research and development this century includes the invention of liquid crystal displays (LCDs), carbon fibre, the technology for flat panel speakers, infra-red sensors and microwave radar, as well as Chobham armour, and shaped charges. DERA has combined and inherited the technology and expertise from Government defence research sites throughout the UK.

A leader in Prime Contracting and Systems Integration, Lockheed Martin UK Government Systems Ltd serves customers including the MoD. Lockheed Martin UK Government Systems employs approximately 500 employees at facilities in Portsmouth, Havant, Yeovil, Swindon and Cornwall and is a unit of the Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Christopher Trippick Lockheed Martin UK Government Systems Ltd Tel: 02392-564197 Mobile: 07803-393959 E-mail: chris.trippick@lmco.com