Lockheed Martin Corporation is one of the most successful defense companies in the world that produces both weapons and spacecraft. One of its business areas is missiles and fire control (MFC), which earned a revenue of $11.3 billion in 2020. MFC develops, designs, and manufactures defensive weapons systems and precision engagement aerospace for the U.S. and its allies. It is also one of the reasons why the U.S. has the strongest military forces globally. This post will briefly cover some information about missiles and fire control systems and notable contracts they have received in recent years.
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What is the function of Lockheed Martin missiles and fire control (MFC)?
- It has 11 facilities with a total of more than 15,000 employees.
- Lockheed’s MFC develops, manufactures, supplies, and supports advanced combat, missiles, space and fire control systems, rockets, and manned and unmanned systems for NASA and military customers, including the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and other services for the military’s green power initiatives and global civil nuclear power industry.
- A pioneer of high-profile missiles, rocket technology, advanced sensors, and more for military forces and global partner nations.
- Offers vital capabilities necessary for war combat and services for civilian customers.
- MFC builds and produces electrooptic smart munitions systems.
Where does Lockheed manufacture its missiles and fire control (MFC)?
Lockheed manufactures its missiles and fire control products in 10 facilities around the United States and 1 in the United Kingdom:
- Ocala, Florida
- Grand Prairie, Texas
- Troy, Alabama
- Santa Barbara, California
- Archbald, Pennsylvania
- Horizon City, Texas
- Chelmsford, Massachusetts
- East Camden, Arkansas
- Orlando, Florida
- Lufkin, Texas
- Ampthill Bedfordshire (a part of Lockheed Martin U.K.)
What are examples of Lockheed Martin missiles and fire control products?
Here’s a list of some MFC products that offer comprehensive solutions, including advanced sensors, tracking and navigation, air-to-air engagement capabilities, artificial intelligence (for the U.S. and its allies leverage emerging technologies), and more. On a side note, the company has invested in demonstrating hypersonic technology for more than 30 years.
Target Sight System (TSS)
TSS is a multisensor electro-optical/IR fire control system used by the Marine Corps’ AH-1Z attack helicopters. It is a modular targeting and aiming system providing users with accurate and reliable weapon control in various operational environments.
Contract award
In 2021, the Defense Department awarded Lockheed Martin the AH-1Z targeting system production contract. It’s a modified version of the previous agreement that shouldn’t exceed $49.6 million. Also, it adds scope for producing 19 AN/AAQ-30A target sight systems for AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopters.
Enhanced Laser Guided Training Round (ELTR)
ELTR is developed to help military personnel understand how laser-guided bombs work during training in different combat scenarios. Also, it enables aircrews to practice delivery techniques while lowering total operational costs.
Contract award
In 2017, ELTR received a contract worth $26.5 million from the U.S. Navy to produce it as an alternative to operational laser-guided bombs for practice. Over 180,000 units have been sold to international customers and the U.S. Navy since 1992.
IRST21 Sensor System
The IRST21 Sensor system can detect and respond to airborne threats in real-time through artificial intelligence, infrared search, and track technology for increased pilot reaction time and quickly determine how to respond.
Contract award
Boeing, a prime contractor of the U.S. Navy, awarded a $108 million contract to Lockheed. The corporation will be in charge of the complete development, platform integration, qualification, and flight test of the IRST21 Block II sensor system to enhance the sensor’s detecting, tracking, and ranging capabilities in radar-denied areas.
Multiple Launch Rocket System (M270)
The multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) is a mobile, self-propelled system that fires multiple rocket projectiles simultaneously. It provides fire support to ground forces and destroys enemy equipment, facilities, and the target’s defense systems.
Contract award
In 2021, Lockheed won a contract worth $1.1 billion from the U.S. Army to manufacture 11000 units of MLRS rockets. Its extended range version test could travel 135 km at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)
The M142 HIMARS is the multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) family’s latest member. It’s a full-spectrum, lethal, and combat-proven weapons system. It’s also one of the missile systems the U.S. has been sending to Ukraine, making all the difference because of its ability to strike further behind and match Russian’s long-range artillery. Lastly, these HIMARS launchers provide supreme mobile power for multi domain operations.
Contract award
In 2020, Lockheed Martin received a contract worth $183 million from the U.S. Navy to manufacture 28 HIMARS at the Precision Fires Center of Excellence in Camden, Arkansas, as well as its associated hardware. Delivery of equipment is expected to start in late 2022 for international customers and the U.S. Marine Corps.
Laser weapon systems
Lockheed started to develop laser weapon systems, other directed energy technologies, and radio frequency at sea, air, and ground to increase warfighters’ protection during battle. The company combined these systems with advanced platform integration to defeat heightened threats to infrastructure and military forces. These are now ready to defend against mortars, artillery shells, small rockets, and other lightweight ground vehicles from miles away.
Contract award
In 2018, Lockheed Martin won a contract worth $150 million from the U.S. Navy with $943 million options to build and develop laser weapon systems, counter-unmanned aerial systems, surveillance, and intelligence to be delivered last 2020. Lockheed can help the Navy take significant steps with its High Energy Laser and Integrated Optical-dazzler with Surveillance (HELIOS) system and field these weapon systems aboard surface ships.
Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP)
Lockheed has been developing these pods for more than 20 years. In 2015, it delivered its 1000th pod to the U.S. Air Force. It was chosen for its unmatched targeting capability and electrooptical targeting system enclosed in a lightweight pod. It is capable of precision targeting, air-to-air and ground missions, surveillance, and reconnaissance as it is placed on the aircraft’s bottom to detect moving and stationary targets quickly.
Contract award
Lockheed’s advanced targeting pods received a contract worth $485 million from the Department of Defense manufactured at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. Also, it will provide:
- Autonomous tracking
- Positive target identification
- Precise weapon guidance
- GPS co-ordinate generation
