LOAM Laser Obstacle Warning System to be Equipped on Denmark's EH101 Search and Rescue Helicopters.

First Laser Obstacle Warning System in Service on Military Helicopter

ROME -- SELEX Communications - a Finmeccanica company - announced that its Laser Obstacle Avoidance and Monitoring system (LOAM([R]))has been accepted by the Danish Air Force for its EH101 Search and Rescue Helicopter, and is now entering service. The announcement was made after the successful completion of the qualification and flight test program, making the EH101 the first military platform to host this innovative solution.

Winner of the 2005 Flight International Aerospace Industry Award, LOAM([R])is the first 2nd generation laser Obstacle Warning System specifically designed for military and professional (public safety agencies, emergency services, government, transportation, etc.) applications. Thanks to its performance and innovative features, this solution greatly contributes to the safety of day and night operations. LOAM([R])is able to both warn the crew of possible collision with wires (down to a diameter of 5 mm), pylons and other obstacles (e.g. ground and buildings) and to cue the crew with an escape avoidance maneuver.

Lockheed Martin and SELEX Communications have entered into a collaborative agreement where they will share marketing information and jointly evaluate potential U.S. government and civilian opportunities for the technology. Lockheed Martin Systems Integration-Owego would serve as the prime contractor for any potential opportunities in the U.S. market. Lockheed Martin currently is flight testing an integrated LOAM system aboard its UH-1 flying test bed at its Systems Integration facility in Owego, NY.

"Whether flown as a stand-alone unit or integrated with other situational awareness subsystems, LOAM will provide military helicopter crews with higher levels of flight safety and mission success," said Steve Ramsey, Executive Vice President at Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego.

Lockheed Martin Systems Integration - Owego serves as the prime contractor and systems integrator for the American-built US101 aircraft, an American variant of the EH101 multimission helicopter. The US101 was selected by the U.S. Navy for the Presidential Helicopter Replacement program in February 2005.

LOAM([R]) is the lightest and smallest laser obstacle warning system on the market able to guarantee a significant increase in situational awareness and platform safety. LOAM([R]) is suitable for all main rotary wing or vertical lift platforms and can be used, from the Nap Of the Earth (NOE) flight to the contour flight, in a variety of missions including attack, reconnaissance/surveillance, support, transport and search & rescue operations. Designed to be flexible and easy to integrate, LOAM([R]) can be mounted in both standalone and integrated configurations on multiple types of helicopters.

LOAM([R]) has flown on AB212, Lynx and EC130 helicopters, has been selected for the NH90-TTH helicopter and for other platforms and it is now under evaluation for other helicopter programs.

Regarding SELEX Communications

SELEX Communications, a Finmeccanica Company, is a communications systems supplier for military and civil customers.

Uniquely placed to lead the delivery of Network Centric Communications, the Company's capabilities encompass solutions for joint, land, sea and air applications, secure and mission critical communications. Leader in advanced technology with over 100 years of experience, SELEX Communications develops state-of-the-art communications solutions meeting customer requirements and exceeding their expectations. SELEX Communications employs more than 5000 people worldwide, with offices and plants in Italy, the UK, USA, Germany, Turkey, Romania and South America.

Finmeccanica is a leader in the design and manufacture of military aircraft, helicopters, space systems, satellites, missiles and defence electronics. Finmeccanica is a key European player in the aerospace and defence industry and employs over 60,000 people.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 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 2005 sales of $37.2 billion.

The LOAM system will be on display in both the Lockheed Martin stand (booth # 1124), and the Finmeccanica stand (booth # 1661), during the AUSA show, 9-11 October.