ORLANDO, FL -- Lockheed Martin introduced a new, state-of-the art, robust Common Mast System to support ground vehicle sensors, providing Warfighters significantly enhanced situational awareness in all battlefield conditions.

The Lockheed Martin Common Mast System (CMS) is a highly-stable, elevated sensor platform for ground vehicles, providing unprecedented support for sensor operation in any elevated position while on-the-move or in defilade.

Developed entirely as a Lockheed Martin independent research and development program, the Common Mast System is a revolutionary design with significant improvements over current sensor mounts. While traditional platforms mount the sensor at the roofline, the Lockheed Martin CMS can elevate the sensor suite up to 5 meters above ground level. Once elevated, the CMS can remain extended at vehicle speeds up to 30 kilometers-per-hour for enhanced line-of-sight over rolling terrain, low buildings, heavy shrubbery, low tree lines and other obstructions.

“Long-range enhanced surveillance of the battlefield provides Warfighters with an added level of protection,” said Mike Taylor, director of Ground Sensor Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Lockheed Martin’s new Common Mast System rapidly deploys for reconnaissance missions in adverse weather and varying terrains, allowing the Warfighter to see first, understand first, act first and finish decisively with minimal exposure.”

The innovative CMS design also isolates the sensor from vehicle vibration and allows the user to operate the sensor from inside the vehicle’s protective armor. Lockheed Martin’s design features internal cabling, rapid stowage and shielding for vital components against sand, dust, rain and extreme temperatures on the battlefield.

Vertical load testing has verified fully-extended CMS operation while supporting payloads up to 600 pounds. Lockheed Martin can integrate the ruggedized CMS with advanced sensor technology on current force vehicles, with the potential for use on future manned and unmanned combat vehicles.

Lockheed Martin will demonstrate CMS publicly for the first time at the 2009 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition, which runs October 5-7, at the Washington Convention Center.

Lockheed Martin is a leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the Warfighter including over a decade of expertise in engineering and producing ground sensor systems. Additional technological advancements in ground sensors will focus on enhancing current force vehicle capabilities as well as emerging ground combat vehicle improvements.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that 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 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

Lockheed Martin
12.09.2009