The Economy

Lockheed Martin Secures $1 Billion Contract to Supply Cockpits and Systems for Navy Helicopters

April 6, 2012

The five-year contract calls for Lockheed Martin to supply more than 200 digital cockpits and integrated mission systems and sensors for the Navy MH-60R Romeo and MH-60S Sierra helicopters.

Josh Cable

The U.S. Navy has awarded a $1.05 billion contract to Lockheed Martin Corp. (IW 500: 25) to provide cockpits and mission systems for Navy helicopters.

The five-year contract calls for Lockheed Martin to supply more than 200 digital cockpits and integrated mission systems and sensors for the Navy MH-60R Romeo and MH-60S Sierra helicopters, according to Bethesda, Md.-based Lockheed Martin.

The contract includes 162 cockpits, integrated missions systems and sensors for MH-60R Romeo -- an anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare helicopter.

The contract also funds 62 digital cockpits to complete the Navy's program of record for Sierra aircraft. The Sierra is used for ship-to-ship cargo resupply, search and rescue, and close-in defense of Navy ships.

The company noted that multiyear contracts such as this one "must meet rigorous criteria before being approved by Congress, including being able to demonstrate double-digit cost savings."

"This contract award ensures uninterrupted, on-time deliveries of the MH-60R and MH-60S helicopter to the U.S. Navy fleet," said Dan Spoor, vice president of aviation systems for Lockheed Martin's Mission Systems & Sensors business. "Plus the multi-year structure, versus an annual contract, allows us to provide our customer with more than 10% savings annually, surpassing Pentagon cost predictions."

Lockheed Martin provides the digital cockpit common to the MH-60R and MH-60S, and integrates the mission systems and sensors aboard the MH-60R helicopter in Owego, N.Y.

Both aircraft are designed and manufactured by Stratford, Conn.-based Sikorsky Aircraft.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.