Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY), a leading provider of embedded, high-performance computing systems and software for image, sensor, and signal processing applications, announced it delivered on an initial order and received a follow-on order from Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) for the Aegis Weapon System upgrade.
In February 2009, Lockheed Martin was awarded a $78.6 million production contract from the U.S. Navy to provide the next evolution of hardware for the Aegis Modernization and Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) programs. Developed by Lockheed Martin, the Aegis Weapon System is the only operational sea-based radar and weapon system capable of simultaneous warfare against air, surface, subsurface and land targets.
Mercury is delivering on an order for its next-generation Ensemble(TM) 7100 components and systems, which will be integrated on both land and ship sites for the Multi-Mission Signal Processor (MMSP) upgrade, which is a key component to provide ballistic missile defense capability to Aegis-equipped destroyers undergoing modernization beginning in 2012.
In addition, a recent follow-on order calls for Mercury to provide PowerStream(R) 7000 production systems for the first two ships in the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Signal Processor (BSP) 4.0.1 upgrade, which is now undergoing testing for existing Aegis BMD-capable cruisers and destroyers. Both the PowerStream 7000 and next-generation Ensemble 7100 systems provide extreme processing power in harsh, confined environments. Mercury will also provide integration services for the upgrades.
According to Lockheed Martin, the BSP and MMSP upgrades will be installed on up to nine ships per year. The BSP upgrade will deliver a leapfrog performance capability from current capability, while the MMSP upgrade will help to set the stage for implementation of a single commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) architecture.
“The Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Signal Processor and Multi-Mission Signal Processor will provide fleet commanders with a great leap in capability to detect, track and target ballistic missile targets,” said Allan Croly, Lockheed Martin’s director of Naval Radar Programs. “Mercury’s PowerStream 7000 and Ensemble 7100 support operational upgrades in the near term, and provide a software migration path to the industry-standard Linux operating system and the Navy’s open architecture objective.”
“With the deep expertise of our engineering team, and our powerful COTS-based multicomputing technology, which is unmatched in I/O and processing bandwidth, we’ll help enable Lockheed Martin to maintain an aggressive implementation schedule for these critical performance upgrades,” said Didier Thibaud, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Advanced Computing Solutions at Mercury.
For more information on Mercury’s innovative solutions for next-generation warfare, visit www.mc.com/defense, or contact Mercury at (866) 627-6951 or at [email protected]. For more information on the Aegis Weapon System, visit www.lockheedmartin.com/products/AegisWeaponSyst[…].
Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. – Where Challenges Drive Innovation(TM)
Mercury Computer Systems (www.mc.com, NASDAQ: MRCY) provides embedded computing systems and software that combine image, signal, and sensor processing with information management for data-intensive applications. With deep expertise in optimizing algorithms and software and in leveraging industry-standard technologies, we work closely with customers to architect comprehensive, purpose-built solutions that capture, process, and present data for defense electronics, homeland security, and other computationally challenging commercial markets. Our dedication to performance excellence and collaborative innovation continues a 25-year history in enabling customers to gain the competitive advantage they need to stay at the forefront of the markets they serve.
Mercury is based in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and serves customers worldwide through a broad network of direct sales offices, subsidiaries, and distributors.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.
