Lockheed Martin wins U.S. military radar contract

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ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md., March 2 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded defense contractor Lockheed Martin an $881 million radar contract.

The fixed-price contract, awarded to Lockheed by the U.S. Army Product Manager for Radars, calls for the company to deliver its AN/TPQ-53 Firefinder radar, which provides troops with 360-degree protection from rocket, mortar and artillery assaults.

"The Q-53 is in production and has been battlefield-proven by the U.S. Army in Iraq and Afghanistan," a Lockheed spokesman said.

"The radar detects, classifies, and tracks enemy indirect fire, as well as locates its source, in either 360- or 90-degree modes. The truck-mounted system also provides soldiers with greater mobility, automated leveling and remote operation capabilities."

U.S. Army Product Manager for Radars spokesman Lt. Col. Robert Thomas said, "This is a great example of the Army and industry coming together to ultimately deliver a system that will greatly enhance situational awareness by providing the precise location of hostile indirect fire weapons."