The U.S. Navy has awarded $360 million in contracts to defense contractor Lockheed Martin to cover installation of cockpit combat electronics and radar systems aboard its fleet of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters built by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. in Stratford.
The Seahawk is the Navy’s frontline anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopter.
Among the contracts, the Navy exercised its $38 million option for Lockheed Martin to deliver more revamped cockpits for “R” and “S” models of the Seahawk. The company is due to deliver its 300th cockpit in February. The bulk of the work will be done in Lockheed’s Oswego, N.Y., plant and be finished by April 2013.
In addition, Lockheed got a $35 million contract for integrated digital mapping packages that enable Seahawk pilots to plot their locations, as well as those of “friends” and “foes,” in the battle area. The systems also will link Seahawks with civilian air controllers.
In a separate $36 million award, Lockheed said it will equip six Seahawks with a highly advanced radar system powerful enough to distinguish between a submarine periscope and other small surface objects on the ocean.
“The Navy’s investment in the MH-60R fleet ensures our pilots and aircrews have the best and most advanced equipment for every mission,” said Capt. Dean Peters, U.S. Navy MH-60 program manager. “We are looking for reliable, modern aircraft upgraded efficiently and affordably …”
