Lockheed Martin Sees Regional Opportunities: Hayward

Asian Aerospace 2000 -- Military requirements in Australasia currently present several prospects for involvement by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, according to its Director of International Program Development, Neil Hayward. Based in Orlando, Florida, Hayward spoke to Show News in the extensive Lockheed Martin pavilion close to the main entrance of Asian Aerospace 2000.

En route to the Show, the LMCo delegation passed through Australia where it delivered a proposal for RAAF purchase of the new AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile. An advanced precision weapon for attacking high-value, well defended and, possibly, relocatable targets, JASSM is presently restricted in its sales to first-rank allies of the US.

Less inhibited is the Chaparral short-range air defense missile system. Taiwan is updating its existing Chaparral fire units with new Lockheed Martintarget acquisition systems and increased provision for local support, but Hayward notes that in its present upgraded state the Sidewinder-based Chaparral is as effective as later systems for far less cost. Other countries as far distant as the Baltic States have also expressed interest in new Chaparrals.

South Korea, meanwhile, has joined Australia in planning to place a follow-on order for the AGM-142 Have Nap precision-guided ASMs now in the armories of both countries. So that the weapon can be used on smaller aircraft, says Hayward, a 2,500 pound Have Lite version is in prospect. Weight reduction is a marginal 500 pounds, but that is enough for it to come within asymmetric carriage limits on an F-16 Fighting Falcon in the event that one of two weapons fails to release.

LMCo target acquisition equipment and Hellfire anti-tank missiles represent some 35% to 40% of the price of a fleet of Boeing AH-64 Apache combat helicopters. Accordingly, the progress of proposals being submitted for competitions in South Korea and Japan is being watched with interest. Hellfire is also used by Taiwan's Bell AH-1W Cobras, and a follow-on buy is confidently expected next year.

Future Apache customers could benefit from the Arrow Head upgrade being developed for the helicopter's forward-looking infrared as a spin-off from the RAH-66 Comanche program. If this second-generation system wins a current US Army competition, Orlando division will be offering it for retrofit to existing export customers.

By Paul Jackson