Lockheed integrates air and space systems

Lockheed Martin Corp. has built a prototype system that integrates air and space command and control capabilities for the Air Force and U.S. Strategic Command, the company said.

The prototype was developed through a $2.8 million task order awarded jointly through Lockheed Martin's Integrated Space Command and Control (ISC2) and Theater Battle Management Core Systems (TBMCS) contracts. It was delivered to the C2 Transformation Center at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.

Bethesda, Md.-based Lockheed Martin said the system is the first step toward giving air operations centers automated access to space information in order to better plan air campaigns.

The system will enable more cohesive planning between air and space command centers using machine-to-machine data exchange technology that can serve as the foundation for future integration projects. It pulls together global positioning system navigation and satellite over-flight information to enhance the air battle planning process.

ISC2 is a 15-year effort to modernize and integrate 40 systems for space controls, missile defense and air surveillance for the Strategic Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command. TBMCS plans and manages the Joint air battle and is the integrating platform within the air operations centers.

Lockheed Martin ranked No. 1 on Washington Technology's 2003 Top 100 list, which measures federal contracting revenue.