BAE Systems seeker intercepts missile

The terminal, high altitude area defence (THAAD) weapon-system detected and intercepted an incoming ballistic missile target, using a BAE Systems-built seeker during a 26 January test-firing.

The test was conducted by the US missile defence agency, at the Pacific missile range facility.

BAE Systems' seeker provides infrared imagery of the targeted warhead to the missile computer, for use in guiding the interceptor to its target. "This was the second time the THAAD seeker performed a successful intercept," said John Watkins, BAE Systems' THAAD programme manager. Lockheed Martin is THAAD's prime contractor and systems integrator.

Bell Helicopter delivered the first-production AH-1Z attack helicopter to the US Department of Defence. Earlier this month the first UH-1Y utility helicopter was delivered. These helicopters comprise the H-1 programme that will ultimately provide 280 upgraded attack and utility helicopters to the US marine corps.

The AH-1Z and UH-1Y share common tail boom, engines, rotor system, drive train, avionics architecture, software, controls and displays for over 84% identical components.

"This should drive down maintenance, while improving reliability for a cost-saving of more than $3 billion over the 30-year programme," says Mike Blake, Bell's executive VP for programmes.

Science Applications International won a single award, cost-plus-award-fee contract to provide IT support services for manpower, personnel, training and education for the navy personnel command in Tennessee.

The contract has a one-year base term, four one-year options, and a total value of $52.9 million if all options are exercised.

Through the contract, SAIC will provide an array of IT services including service-oriented architecture, Web-enabled applications development, and disaster recovery and continuity of operations.

Marking steady progress on the Orion crew exploration vehicle programme, the Lockheed Martin team accepted responsibility for the operations and check-out building at the national aeronautics and space administration's Kennedy Space Centre.

Lockheed Martin will use the historic facility to process Orion, America's next-generation human spacecraft. The facility was originally used for the Apollo lunar programme.

Orion is an advanced capsule design, utilising state-of-the-art technology capable of transporting a crew of six to and from the International space station, and four crew members to the Moon and eventually to Mars.

Lockheed Martin has been awarded an $8.7 million contract to develop a low profile mast-sensor system for the US navy's Virginia Class submarines.

The low-profile mast system will provide the navy with a significantly improved situational awareness capability, while decreasing counter-detection probability with a system well suited for littoral operations.

The system - which integrates a compact periscope mast, an electronic support measures system and an advanced imaging system - is a mission package that can be temporarily installed on a submarine when required to support operations, and removed upon completion of the mission.