DALLAS, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has won a $16.5 million U.S. Army contract to maintain the HIMARS and MLRS rocket systems.
The deal is with the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command. Lockheed Martin said in a statement Monday it would work in cooperation with the Letterkenny Army Depot "to provide life cycle contractor support of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and the Multiple Launch Rocket System M270A1 system."
"The objectives of the partnership include providing timely and reliable product support for the war fighter, improving and sustaining core capabilities at Letterkenny Depot, and introducing improved business processes and updated technology to Department of Defense depot maintenance operations and products," the company said.
“Letterkenny is the Army’s sole maintenance depot for tactical missile and air defense systems, and I’m proud that we can work with Lockheed Martin to support the war fighter and save taxpayer money,” said Col. Robert A. Swenson, commander, Letterkenny Army Depot.
“This is a great example of government/corporate partnership in a depot environment,” said Lt. Col. John A. Chicoli, U.S. Army product manager, Field Artillery Launchers. “This newly established repair capability will allow Letterkenny to provide more efficient life-cycle contractor support for this highly effective system.”
Lockheed Martin said it would expand its existing cooperation with the Letterkenny Depot. "Work on the contract is scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2009," the company said.
“This partnership with our customer demonstrates our commitment to their mission success,” said Rick Edwards, vice president of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
"Because of its C-130 transportability, HIMARS can be deployed into areas previously inaccessible to heavier launchers. Its fire control system, electronics and communications units are interchangeable with the existing MLRS M270A1 launcher. More than 250 HIMARS/M270A1 systems are operational," the company said.
