Lockheed Martin integrating data systems on patrol boats

OTTAWA, April 10 (UPI) -- An implementation sub-contract has been given to Lockheed Martin Canada to integrate data and information sources on new Royal Canadian Navy ships.

The sub-contract was issued by Irving Shipbuilding Inc., the prime contractor for a new class of Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships, or AOPS.

"Lockheed Martin Canada is a key partner in achieving best quality and value for Canada in the production of the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships," said Kevin McCoy, president of Irving Shipbuilding Inc. "We have worked with them over the last three years to find the right command and surveillance solution to best serve the navy in these important ships and to achieve the best overall benefit to Canada.'

Canada is acquiring six ice-capable offshore patrol ships to assert and enforce sovereignty in Canadian waters, conduct missions for northern surveillance and search-and-rescue tasks. Deliveries of the ships are expected to begin in 2018.

Lockheed Martin said it leveraged its combat management system from Canada's Halifax Class Modernization program for surveillance purposes on AOPS, offering a highly capable, low-risk solution for the project.

"This award, along with our continued milestone achievements to extend the life of the Halifax-class patrol frigates, strengthens our team's capability to deliver enduring value for the RCN and for Canada," said Rosemary Chapdelaine, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Canada's Ottawa-based Mission Systems and Training business.