Lockheed chases Air Force contract

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<FONT SIZE=2>Lockheed Martin Corp., Bethesda, Md., has assembled a team to pursue a $500 million contract to build the battle management subsystem for the Air Force's Multi-Sensor Command and Control Aircraft program. </FONT>

Robert Coutts, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin, expects to see a preliminary RFP in early February for a $500 million battle management project.

Henrik G. de Gyor

Lockheed Martin Corp., Bethesda, Md., has assembled a team to pursue a $500 million contract to build the battle management subsystem for the Air Force's Multi-Sensor Command and Control Aircraft program.

Lockheed Martin's "Strike" team will be AlphaTech Inc., L-3 Communications Corp., Raytheon Co. and Science Applications International Inc., said Robert Coutts, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin.

Coutts said Jan. 14 he expects to see a preliminary request for proposals in early February, and the contract awarded in the summer. The contract will provide the battle management component to the Air Force's Multi-Sensor Command and Control Aircraft, a five-year program to develop a next-generation reconnaissance aircraft.

According to the Arlington, Va.-based military research firm GlobalSecurity.Org, it will cost the Air Force $58 billion to develop and build the craft. Northrop Grumman Corp., Los Angeles, has been chosen lead integrator for developing the craft. The winning team on the battle management contract will work with Northrop to incorporate the functions within weapons systems, Coutts said.

Coutts said he expects Northrop Grumman and possibly Boeing Co., Chicago, to form teams to compete for the battle management contract. Neither has disclosed its intention to bid. *

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