The Naval Air Systems Command announced today the award of a contract with a total potential value of $116.7 million to Lockheed Martin Corporation, Philadelphia, PA, for the design, development, fabrication, test, integration and the production of the Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS).

        Deputy Program Executive Officer for Cruise Missiles, Tom Laux, noted that Lockheed Martin’s proposal represents the best value to the Navy. "The company submitted a creative proposal that makes impressive re-use of existing Advanced Tomahawk Weapons Control System software and hardware. Additionally, the cost proposal was the lowest overall."

        This contract was awarded on a competitive basis, as a cost plus award fee for the engineering, manufacturing, development (EMD) portion at $69.4 million and production options for TTWCS suites as a firm fixed incentive potential value of $47.3 million if the maximum quantity is purchased. The contract also includes engineering analysis, software engineering/computer support, and spare and repair parts, which may be negotiated and purchased during the term of the contract.

        The period of performance for the EMD portion shall be completed by April 2003, which is the expected timeframe for the initial operational capability of the Tactical Tomahawk Weapon System. Production options, if exercised, run from 2003-2007.

        Primary subcontractor is Litton, San Diego, CA.

        Tomahawk is the nation’s "weapon of choice" for critical, long range, precision strike missions against high value or heavily defended targets. Tomahawk missiles are deployed throughout the world’s oceans on various surface ships and submarines.

        While maintaining its deep strike capability, Tomahawk continues to evolve to meet the warfighters’ needs for a more flexible and "tactical" precision strike weapon. Future variants will incorporate new technologies providing new operational capabilities and new missions while significantly reducing acquisition and life cycle costs.

        For more information on PEO (CU) Programs and photographs of Tomahawk check the Internet at www.peocu.js.mil and click on PAO, or contact Cathy Partusch, 301-757-6316.