Navy chooses Lockheed Martin to upgrade submarine sonar systems

MANASSAS, Va., 22 May, 2012. The Naval Sea Systems Command in Washingtonm D.C., has selected Lockheed Martin to develop and produce the acoustic rapid commercial-off-the-shelf insertion (ARCI) sonar systems and common acoustics processing for technology insertions 12 through 14 for the U.S Navy submarine fleet and potential foreign sales.

The ARCI uses legacy sensors and replaces central processors with commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) computer technology and software. The ARCI system processes data from the submarine's acoustic arrays along with the submarine's towed arrays.

The ARCI program, which started in 1998, was developed to enable continuous improvement of submarine systems in a quick and affordable way. The system is built around an open systems architecture to exploit modern commercial processing development. This allows the submarine's processors to grow as commercial processors improve. The Navy selected the ARCI in order to improve sonar against ever-improving anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

This is a modification of a previously awarded contract for the ARCI system. The modification is worth $33.7 million, and will include the purchase of technology insertion system upgrades with the inclusion of ore-cable kits for 15 submarines.

The work for the ARCI systems is expected to be completed in 2013. Work for this contract will be performed in Manassas, Va. and Clearwater, Fla.