Article Posted on : - Jan 14, 2010

A File Photo of an MV-22 Osprey aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau. US Navy Photo.

FLORIDA (BNS): US Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin Corporation $33 million contract for the technology demonstration phase of the Joint and Allied Threat Awareness System (JATAS).

According to a news release by Lockheed Martin, the JATAS programme is designed for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps fighter aircraft. The programme will increase the survivability of the planes in hostile environments.

“We’re looking forward to leveraging more than two decades of experience in infrared missile warning development, production and field sustainment to provide an affordable JATAS threat warning solution that will increase the survivability of the pilots and aircrews,” said Matt Milligan, Platform Survivability programme director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, as reported in the release.

JATAS will provide rotary-wing assault aircraft with an advanced missile warning capability; a hostile fire indication for small arms, grenades, rockets, and other threats; and aircrew warning of laser-based weapon systems such as range finders, illuminators, and beam riders.

Under the demonstration contract, Lockheed Martin will work with DRS Infrared Technologies and Goodrich ISR Systems to design, develop and demonstrate JATAS prototypes during a 16-month period of performance ending January 2011.