Lockheed Martin,
Units Are Critical Component of Future Remote Minehunting Systems on Arleigh Burke Destroyers and Littoral Combat Ships
RIVIERA BEACH: Lockheed Martin recently delivered the second production Remote Multi-Mission Vehicle (RMMV) to the U.S. Navy to further enhance the mine countermeasures capability for both DDG 51 Arleigh Burke Class destroyers and the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The first RMMV was delivered to the Navy in April.
The Remote Multi-Mission Vehicle (RMMV) is a semi-submersible, semi- autonomous, unmanned vehicle that tows a variable-depth sensor to detect, localize, classify and identify undersea threats at a safe distance from friendly ships. The RMMV is the integral mobile subsystem of the Navy's AN/WLD-1 Remote Minehunting System (RMS), which includes the RMMV, a launch and retrieval system for the RMMV, the RMMV-towed sonar sensor, advanced communications equipment and software that integrates RMS into the host ship's combat system.
In its minehunting role, the RMMV transmits real-time mine sonar images to its host ship over a data link system. This mine reconnaissance capability will allow a naval Strike Group Commander to quickly and safely assess the threat of mines in prospective areas of operations. In its AntiSubmarine Warfare (ASW) role the RMMV tows an active transducer and a multi-function receive array, transmitting submarine contact data via data links to the host ship.
In 2005, the Naval Sea Systems Command awarded Lockheed Martin a low-rate initial production contract for three RMMVs. In 2006, a contract was awarded for four more RMMVs . The RMMV is produced at Lockheed Martin's Riviera Beach, FL facility.
“Delivery of the second production unit, just four months after the initial production unit delivery, clearly demonstrates the RMMV production team's commitment to 'mission success' and ability to deliver results,” said John Bowen, Lockheed Martin's senior program manager of the Remote Minehunting System Program.
“We're proud that our Navy sailors to get this innovative capability to significantly increase the safety and speed of mine countermeasures and ASW,” said Jim Weitzel, vice president of Lockheed Martin Undersea Systems' Riviera Beach site. “With the first unit now deployed on the USS Bainbridge we're looking ahead to the first LCS deployment next year.”
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.
