Article Posted on : - Apr 03, 2011

Anti-submarine Warfare Training Targets, or EMATTs. Photo: Lockheed Martin.

MARION (BNS): Lockheed Martin will design and deliver a second-generation anti-submarine training target under a $5.4 million contract from the US Navy.

The targets, known as MK39 Expendable Mobile Anti-submarine Warfare Training Targets, or EMATTs, are used by air and surface crews for unrestricted, open-ocean and on-range anti-submarine warfare training. Designed to simulate the movements and sounds of diesel submarines, EMATTs help crews maintain their critical anti-submarine combat skills.

"Our upgraded EMATT variant will provide the Navy with programmable acoustics, improved representation of enemy submarines and acoustic command links that are useable day or night in any sea state," Mike Gifford, Lockheed Martin’s senior program manager for underwater vehicles, was quoted as saying in the company news release.

All work will be performed at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marion, Mass. This facility has developed and produced unmanned underwater vehicles since 1982 when the Navy awarded the company the first EMATT development contract.