USAF/LM Team Achieves Milestone On 1st SBIRS HEO System
(Sunnyvale, Calif., August 28, 2008) -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today that the U.S. Air Force has certified readiness for dedicated operational utility evaluation and trial period operations of the first Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO-1) payload and associated ground system in preparation for use by the warfighter.
SBIRS is designed to provide early warning of missile launches, and simultaneously support other missions including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness. Announced to be on-orbit in Nov. 2006, the HEO-1 payload has been exceeding expectations during an extensive on-orbit test regimen necessary before beginning on-orbit operations for the user.
"The HEO system's outstanding performance and reliability is a true testament to the dedication, skill and operational excellence of our entire SBIRS team," said Col Roger Teague, the U.S. Air Force's SBIRS Wing Commander. "We look forward to successfully executing the next step's necessary to making this critical national asset operational for the warfighter this year."
As part of the operational utility evaluation, the system will enter trial period operations in which for the first time, live HEO data will be injected into the warfighters operational networks providing critical warning and intelligence data. This will culminate with United States Strategic Command's final certification of the HEO-1 payload and ground processing elements later this year when the HEO sensor and its data will be declared operationally proven and accepted.
"Our number one priority is delivering mission success for our customer," said Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin's SBIRS vice president. "We take great pride that the HEO system is providing superior detection and reporting capabilities for the warfighters, and we look forward to further enhancing the SBIRS mission with the launch of the first geosynchronous spacecraft next year."
The SBIRS team is led by the Space Based Infrared Systems Wing at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Azusa, Calif., as the payload integrator. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.
"With its high-quality sensor performance, SBIRS will provide substantial mission utility to the warfighter," said Steve Toner, vice president of the SBIRS program for Northrop Grumman. "We are confident that HEO-1 will operate well throughout the trial period."
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