OWEGO, NY, 24-SEP-03 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has been awarded a $1.9 million contract to develop design requirements for the next phase of a comprehensive new Organic Airborne Mine Countermeasures (OAMCM) system for the U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopter.

Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky Aircraft will integrate a total of five independent OAMCM systems under a two-phased contract. The systems included are:

• Towed sonar with a mine identification system (AN/AQS-20A)
• Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS)
• Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS)
• Rapid Airborne Mine Clearance System (RAMICS)
• Organic Airborne and Surface Influence Sweep (OASIS).

Lockheed Martin's common console is the heart of the OAMCM systems integration effort. The common console will provide a consistent interface for the OAMCM sensor operator to all five organic detection and neutralization devices in determining safe areas for ships to transit and operate.

Lockheed Martin was awarded a development contract in 2001 for the common console and integration of two systems, the towed sonar with a mine identification system (AN/AQS-20A) and the airborne laser mine detection system (ALMDS).

The common console began system-level testing last month at Lockheed Martin's Systems Integration facility in Owego, NY. The AN/AQS-20 and ALMDS sensors will be deployed in 2005.

Under the program's next phase, the three remaining subsystems - the AMNS, RAMICS and OASIS - will be integrated. Award for the implementation of the design and integration is expected during the first quarter of next year.

OAMCM is a vital capability to the Carrier Battle Group, said Jeff Bantle, vice president of Lockheed Martin Multi-Mission Solutions. It is another key component of the Navy's Helo concept of operations.

Sikorsky designs and manufactures the MH-60S aircraft and is responsible for the mechanical and electrical modifications on the airframe. Lockheed Martin provides the cockpit, which is common to all MH-60S and MH-60R helicopters.