WASHINGTON, May 22 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has awarded two contracts to Lockheed Martin worth $127 million to continue production of the multi-purpose MH-60R helicopter.
The contracts involve completion of the electronics systems for a dozen MH-60R aircraft currently being built by Sikorski, and the purchase of long-lead time materials for the systems for 25 additional helicopters.
The MH-60R is the Navy's next-generation helicopter for the detection and tailing of enemy submarines and surface ships.
The largest contract is valued at $76.5 million and will pay for completion of the avionics and sensor systems for 12 helicopters slated for delivery in 2008 under the Lot Four purchase agreement.
The second contract authorizes Lockheed Martin to begin buying components for 25 helicopters that will be delivered to the Navy in 2009, including the Telephonics AN/APS-147 Multi-Mode Radar and the Lockheed-built AN/ALQ-210 Electronic Support Measures system, which detects enemy radar targeting the aircraft.
"These production awards were based on a favorable review of the aircraft's acquisition strategy and a highly successful operational evaluation," said Lockheed Vice President Jeff Bantle.
Bantle said Monday that the systems met all requirements during evaluations and "demonstrated significant improvements over current helicopters to detect and track submarines and surface vessels."
Known as the Seahawk, the MH-60R is designed to operate off aircraft carriers and smaller warships, performing a variety of missions such as transport, search-and-rescue and communications relays as well as anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. It will replace the SB-60 models.
The Navy gave the green light to full production of the new helicopter last March.
