Lockheed Links System Development to Production Plant

Lockheed Martin has made another strategic development to comply a new Pentagon mandate to accelerate product development and availability, integrating a Rapid Fielding Center with is manufacturing complex in Grand Prairie, Tex. The defense contractor stated the new center will streamline development, testing and prototype production of new weapons systems and technologies for its government customers.

In recent months the Pentagon has been urging its major defense system contractors to increase their manufacturing capacities and accelerate development programs, especially with respect to ballistic missile programs.

Also this week the Pentagon structured a seven-year agreement with Lockheed and Boeing to triple their production capacity for the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3), a system designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles.

Lockheed’s Grand Prairie operation manufactures and develops advanced missile and defense systems, including air and missile defense interceptors (like the PAC-3 used in Patriot systems; guided rockets and precision-strike weapons; and tactical missiles for U.S. and allied defense. The site also develops guidance, control, and sensor systems used for tracking and hitting targets; and integrated systems that connect radar, targeting, and launch platforms.

The new Rapid Fielding Center may be considered a manufacturing hub for advanced defense prototypes, where new ideas in military technology are converted into working systems at an accelerated rate.

"From concept to low-rate production, we can now deliver mission-critical solutions in a fraction of the traditional timeline, directly supporting the government's urgent ramp-up needs," stated Randy Crites, v.p., Lockheed Martin Advanced Programs.

The Rapid Fielding Center will function in different modes, for example design and engineering of new products, from sensors to missile systems.

It may also be assigned to perform rapid prototyping, building and testing working models, and then iterating further designs from the initial design.

Because the Center is attached to the     manufacturing operation, engineers can test designs directly and technicians can consult on design changes. The Center also will be available for low-rate initial production or small-scale production of defense products, and for applying the results of performance tests to new products.

"Over the coming months, our multidisciplinary teams will work hand in hand with U.S. partners to execute additional prototype runs, integrate emerging technologies and transition capabilities to full-rate production," stated Mike Patton, v.p., Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Operations. "The Rapid Fielding Center gives our customers the agility, flexibility, and discreet mobility they require to maintain decisive advantage across any operational domain."