New Lockheed test center ready in May

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., March 28 (UPI) -- A center to test full-scale missile defense systems in a laboratory environment will be ready for initial occupancy in Alabama in May, Lockheed Martin said.

The Huntsville Integrated Test Center is being equipped with high-speed, fiber-optic connectivity, allowing it to connect to government laboratories and major first- and second-tier missile defense suppliers.

Lockheed said its HIT Center will provide high-fidelity, end-to-end testing of missile defense systems with full hardware and digital functionality, applying the "test-like-you-fly" philosophy. The center will support full-scale hardware-in-the-loop testing of missile defense interceptor and ground systems in a reconfigurable environment.

Featuring two five-axis motion simulators with infrared scene generators, the center will support salvo and multitiered intercept scenarios, hardware and software validation, risk reduction and rapid evaluation of evolving threats.

"This facility demonstrates Lockheed Martin's commitment to advancing the state-of-the-art in missile defense capabilities," said John W. Holly, vice president of Missile Defense Systems, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. "It also represents our continued investment in the Huntsville community, which plays a key role in protecting our nation."

Lockheed had a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday for the 21,000-square-foot building. Company, government, military and local community leaders were in attendance.

The new facility is the ninth building in the Lockheed Martin 80-acre campus in Huntsville, Ala., where it has had operations since 1963.