Sanders receives $18.9 million contract to upgrade communications jamming system on U.S. Navy EA-6B aircraft.

NASHUA, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 31, 1996--Sanders, a Lockheed Martin company, has received a $18.9 million contract to upgrade the USQ-113 communications jammer on U.S. Navy EA-6B Prowler aircraft.

The system provides signal detection, analysis and identification, and has the capability to jam or interrupt hostile communications signals.

Under the contract, Sanders will develop three pre-production systems during a non-recurring engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase. The contract also calls for the upgrade of 30 existing USQ-113 systems, beginning in July 1997. The work will be performed by Sanders' Surveillance Systems Division in Hudson, N.H. and is scheduled for completion in May 1998.

The upgrade will consist of new receivers, power amplifiers and transmitters developed to extend the frequency range of the system and to replace the operator display. The new display has an improved liquid crystal display (LCD) that runs Windows-based software. Additionally, a signal recognition device is being developed for insertion in a new system controller. With the device, aircrews will be able to analyze the signals they receive.

According to Mark Roosen, Sanders' USQ-113 Program Manager, "The system's extended frequency range allows Navy EA-6B aircraft to respond to the changing threat environment and to perform its mission -- protect U.S. and allied aircraft. As a long-time leader in communications jamming technology, Sanders is proud to contribute to this vital U.S. Navy program."

This contract was awarded under the Advanced Technology Support Program (ATSP), a streamlined contracting mechanism. ATSP permits the issuance on Contractual Engineering Tasks to effect a quick reaction to weapon system requirements caused by nonsupportable and obsolete electronics equipment. ATSP is managed by the Air Force Materiel Command's Advanced Engineering Technology Center at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, Claif. Sander was one of five contractors selected for ATSP in March 1995.

An operating company of the Lockheed Martin Electronics Sector, Sanders is engaged in development, manufacture and sale of advanced electronic systems and products in a broad range of defense and commercial electronics markets. The company is a major producer of electronic combat and self-protection systems, and is the industry leader in the development of automated mission planning systems. Other major business areas include tactical communications, surveillance and intelligence systems; avionics and space electronics; microwave electronic subsystems; and commercial telecommunications systems.

CONTACT: Sanders

Marv Braman, 603/885-2817

John Measell, 603/885-2810