Lockheed Martin to Provide Improved Signal-Location Systems to US Army

, OWEGO, NY: Lockheed Martin has received a $42 million contract to provide U.S. Army surveillance aircraft with next-generation technology that will enable them to precisely locate the source of modern communication signals. 
 
Called Communications High Accuracy Location Sub-systems – Compact (CHALS-C), the system features improved processing speed, enhanced capability and is substantially smaller and lighter than the current systems. 
 
“CHALS-C greatly expands our previous technology and provides the next-generation of precision location systems,” said Louis J. DeSantis, vice president of Systems Solutions at Lockheed Martin Systems Integration – Owego. “The system significantly enhances situational awareness and provides real-time information for battlefield commanders.” 
 
The system's increased processing speed allows CHALS-C to detect multiple signal types simultaneously. Earlier generation systems could only process one signal sequentially. CHALS-C also uses a common data exchange format that enables interoperability with other precision location systems on a variety of platforms in search of signal emitters. When flown simultaneously aboard two or more surveillance aircraft, CHALS-C can pinpoint the locations of signal emissions by measuring the difference of arrival time and frequency shift at each platform. 
 
Lockheed Martin will provide 40 CHALS-C units to the U.S. Army by 2009. During the past two decades, Lockheed Martin Systems Integration – Owego has provided the U.S. Army with the CHALS family of systems for target intelligence and battlefield situation assessment.  
 
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2005 sales of $37.2 billion.