Lockheed Martin demonstrates dual-function Aegis combat system
NewsMay 16, 2012
Alice Moss
Military Embedded Systems
Amidst shrinking defense budgets, the U.S. Navy will soon be getting a pretty good deal: A two-in-one combat system, thanks to Lockheed Martin’s upgraded Aegis Combat System, which recently demonstrated integrated capabilities.
Specifically, the recent test illustrated the twofold capabilities of the Aegis Combat System’s Baseline 9 upgrade, which enables simultaneous air defense and ballistic missile defense.
The tested, upgraded system utilized the Multi-Mission Signal Processor (MMSP) for the first time while system jamming attempts were instigated from other aircraft.
“This test … marks the start of a new era where the Navy no longer has to choose between air and missile defense capabilities for any given mission,” said Jim Sheridan, Aegis Baseline 9 programs director at Lockheed Martin, in a media statement.
MMSP is a U.S. Navy Baseline 9 system supplement with an easily upgradeable, scalable processor and is developed as an open combat system architecture.
The test occurred at the Navy’s Vice Admiral James H. Doyle Combat Systems Engineering Development Site land-based test locale in Moorestown, New Jersey. The state will also host the manufacturing phase of the upgraded Aegis Combat Systems.
