USA: Lockheed Martin Signs Vertical Launchihg System Contract

Lockheed Martin, American global aerospace, defense, security and advanced technology company, has received a $20,616,676 modification to a previously awarded contract.

This contract is awarded to MK41 Vertical Launching System, production support material, interim support parts and equipment in support of DDG 51 Class Construction.

The Vertical Launching System MK41 is a shipborne missile canister launching system which provides a rapid-fire launch capability against hostile threats. The Vertical Launch System (VLS) concept was derived from the work on the Aegis Combat System. Refinement of the concept continued through the 1960s and 1970s, and the Mk 41 was conceived in 1976. Originally, the system was only intended to fire the RIM-66 Standard missile, however the United States Navy decided that all VLS had to be capable of firing the Tomahawk missile, with a consequential increase in the height of the Mk 41 to accommodate the larger missile.

Lockheed Martin will perform this work in Baltimore, Md. (41.1 percent); Lewisburg, Tenn. (19.1 percent); Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (18.8 percent); Johnstown, Pa. (9.2 percent); Simpsonville, S.C. (5.5 percent); Clearwater, Fla. (3.2 percent); and Sterling Heights, Mich. (3.1 percent).

The Work is expected to be finished by June 2015.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

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Naval Today Staff , January 12, 2012