ORLANDO, FL, 17-JUN-03 --

Lockheed Martin has delivered the first complete Electro-Optical Sensor System (EOSS) for the Army's RAH-66 Comanche armed reconnaissance helicopter during a brief ceremony in Orlando. Comanche is under development for the U.S. Army by the team of Boeing-Sikorsky. Comanche leadership set goals to demonstrate that we could execute this complex program, said Comanche program manager, Col. Robert P. Birmingham. Delivery of the EOSS is critical and Lockheed Martin's hard work to deliver the system ahead of schedule underscores steadfast program commitment.

Developed by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, EOSS was designed to meet specific needs of Comanche helicopter pilotage, reconnaissance, and targeting requirements in reduced visibility and in obscured atmospheric, high laser, and flare threat environments. The system provides state-of-the-art targeting and navigation capabilities. It uses advanced focal plane array and digital imaging technologies, and is composed of a solid-state television, a two-color laser designator/rangefinder, and two second-generation FLIR sensors.

Delivery of the first EOSS marks an important milestone for the Comanche program, said Chuck Allen, Boeing vice president/Comanche program director. EOSS provides extraordinary reconnaissance capabilities that make it essential to the U. S. Army's transformation initiatives. We continue to meet schedule, Engineering and Manufacturing Development production is underway, and we move steadily toward delivery to the U.S. Army.

Our EOSS brings a capability that is essential to the warfighter's ability to see and act first, a crucial advantage in combat, said Bob Costello, EOSS program director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control develops, manufactures and integrates world-class air defense, fire support, strike weapon, naval munition, combat vision, anti-armor and advanced product solutions and systems for U.S. and international armed forces.