Canberra, Australia, February 25th, 2011 — Lockheed Martin Corporation [NYSE: LMT] is expanding its base of potential suppliers for the MH-60R helicopter in Australia, issuing a request for information from potential suppliers of critical pieces of aircraft hardware.

Under the auspices of a recently signed Global Supply Chain (GSC) Deed, Lockheed Martin will establish long-term partnerships by offering Australian companies new opportunities to compete for subcontracts on a full range of Lockheed Martin products and services.

Manufacture of the MH-60R weapons pylons is one of the first opportunities for Australian industry to bid on a project under the GSC Deed. The pylons, which are located on either side of the aircraft, are designed to carry the missiles and torpedoes the MH-60R uses for Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare missions.

“Growth in orders for the MH-60R has resulted in an urgent need for an expanded supply base,  and Australian industry has a depth of capability that would be an ideal supplement to our dedicated supplier base,” said George Barton, Lockheed Martin’s director of Naval Helicopter Programs.

The request for information asks potential bidders for cost estimates on varying quantities of pylons, which would include Lockheed Martin’s forecasted domestic demand as well as supply for potential Foreign Military Sales customers through 2018. The Royal Australian Navy is one of those potential customers. The MH-60R is being offered for the country’s Air 9000 Phase 8 competition. Team Romeo—comprising Lockheed Martin and airframe manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., General Electric, Raytheon and CAE—is poised to provide 24 multi-mission MH-60R, or “Romeo,” aircraft to Australia.

The source selection process for the MH-60R pylons is expected to conclude by the end of 2011.   Lockheed Martin is also considering other prospective GSC and Australia Industrial Capability opportunities on the Air 9000 Phase 8 and other programs.

Source and photo: Lockheed Martin