LAS VEGAS, 05/03/2006 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced the creation of its Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) Transition Support Office (TSO) and displayed the capabilities of its first IPv6-enabled Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) at the DISA Customer Partnership Conference here Monday.

The UAV on display in Las Vegas was designed and built by Lockheed Martin as part of an independent research and development project. The aircraft is 10 feet long, with a wingspan of 12 feet, and it can fly autonomously or via remote control. It can fly for eight hours without refueling at a maximum speed of 100 miles per hour and can carry a 40-pound payload. The payload sends real-time sensor, video and Global Positioning System (GPS) data over a robust wireless link using IPv6. The UAV can transmit data to both IPv4 and IPv6 handheld systems.

In 2005, the Office of Management and Budget mandated the entire federal government upgrade from Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) to IPv6, the next-generation internet protocol. IPv6-enabled global, net-centric operations translate an information advantage into a decisive advantage for the warfighter. The Government Affairs Office (GAO) estimates that the federal government’s transition from IPv4 to IPv6 will cost approximately $25 billion over the next 25 years.

“Our office contains a wealth of knowledge backed by validation, testing, research and development in IPv6-related networking, integration and network management,” said Frank Cuccias, program manager, Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems & Solutions. “IPv6 is the enabler for net-centricity. By getting live video imagery and GPS data to the warfighter on the ground, we’re showing commanders how IPv6 can be used on the battlefield today. We’re taking our five years of research and development experience and innovation and extending it to the transition of current-state networking technology.”

Lockheed Martin’s IPv6 TSO will assist customers in IPv6 implementation, migration and integration. The IPv6 TSO will leverage advanced research and development in its two labs, offering support to all Lockheed Martin lines of business with IPv6-related requirements. The company has touted the IPv6 TSO as a corporate Center of Excellence and is investing in research and development to help shape the future of communications network architecture development.