Navy asks Lockheed Martin to upgrade and replace computer equipment on latest Aegis combat system electronics
WASHINGTON – Shipboard electronics experts at Lockheed Martin Corp. will replace and upgrade combat systems computer hardware, middleware, and firmware for existing U.S. Navy Aegis cruisers and destroyers under terms of an $25.1 million order announced on Friday.
Officials of the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington are asking the Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems segment in Moorestown, N.J., to handle Aegis combat system engineering agent (CSEA) efforts to design and integrate Aegis combat system Advanced Capability Build (ACB) 20.
The Aegis combat system uses powerful computers and radar to track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets. More than 100 Aegis-equipped ships have been deployed in five navies worldwide. Aegis, not an acronym, refers to the shield of the mythical Greek God Zeus.
This order to Lockheed Martin is part of the Aegis Modernization (AMOD) program to upgrade Aegis computers through the ACB process. Aegis, developed in the 1980s, integrates the AN/SPY-1 radar, MK 99 fire control system, weapons control, the command and decision suite, and SM-2 Standard missile family, which includes the basic RIM-66 Standard, the RIM-67 extended range missile, and the newer RIM-161 designed to counter ballistic missiles.
Aegis was developed by the Missile and Surface Radar Division of RCA, which after a series of acquisitions became part of Lockheed Martin in 1995.
Lockheed Martin's work under this contract begins with ACB 16 and Technology Insertion (TI) 16, and continue with a future ACB/TI through the end of this year.
ACB-16 and TI-16 integrates additional capabilities into the Aegis weapon system, such as ballistic missile defense (BMD) 5.1, which integrates a 21-inch-diameter variant of the SM-3 missile called the SM-3 Block IIA. BMD 5.1 also will improve Aegis data links to enable engage on remote track data.
Lockheed Martin's ACB-16 and TI-16 work also integrates the SPQ-9B surface search & fire control radar into the Aegis weapon system. The SPQ-9B detects and tracks incoming targets at sea level, on the surface of the water for either gun fire engagement or navigation.
Work also integrates the Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter into the Aegis system, as well as improves the system's electronic warfare (EW) capabilities via the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP).
Lockheed Martin experts also will expand the Tactical Data Link (TDL) capability with Link 22 on the Aegis system for improved interoperability, and improve shipboard training capability through Total Ship Training Capability (TSTC).
Previous ACB Aegis upgrades installed commercial off-the-shelf (COTS computers to enhance warfighting capabilities such as simultaneous anti-air warfare and ballistic missile defense.
On this contract modification Lockheed Martin will do the work in Moorestown, N.J., and should be finished by December 2020. For more information contact Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems online at www.lockheedmartin.com, or Naval Sea Systems Command at www.navsea.navy.mil.
John Keller | Editor-in-Chief
John Keller is the Editor-in-Chief, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine--provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronics and optoelectronic technologies in military, space and commercial aviation applications. John has been a member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since 1989 and chief editor since 1995.
