Lockheed Martin signs $59 million-plus antisubmarine weapon contract

Manufacturing News, Source : TheManufacturer.com
Published : 07 Oct 2003 18:41

Bethesda, MD-based military contractor Lockheed Martin announced today that Japan has purchased a lot of Vertical Launch Antisubmarine (VLA) rockets valued at $59.8 million.

Lockheed Martin will deliver the VLAs to Mitsubishi Corporation, Tokyo, in 2005 for transfer to Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force for use on Kongo- and Murasame-class ships.

The VLA is a rocket-propelled, three-stage antisubmarine warfare weapon that delivers a torpedo payload to the target area at intermediate ranges. Upon water entry, a nose cap shatters to allow for torpedo release and target acquisition.

Lockheed Martin began delivery of VLAs to the U.S. Navy and Japanese Navy in 1993. The U.S. Navy has approved the ship-launched missile for export to 38 countries, including NATO alliance members, and several Mid-east and Pacific Rim nations through direct commercial sales.

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