Sanders, Pilkington team on fast jet missile warning sensors

Sanders, a Lockheed Martin Company, and Pilkington Optronics Ltd., part of Thomson-CSF Racal, have teamed as industrial partners for the United Kingdom Fast Jet Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) program. The two companies have also signed a separate agreement under which Pilkington will manufacture and deliver electro-optical missile warning sensors to Sanders for in-country requirements.

Under the teaming agreement, Sanders will serve as prime contractor and systems integrator for the development and production phase of the Fast Jet MAWS program. Pilkington Optronics, as principal industrial participation subcontractor, will provide electro-optical infrared (IR) sensors as well as circuit card fabrication, final assembly and test, and integrated logistics support.

In 1996, Sanders received a contract from the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD) to participate in the Fast Jet MAWS Technology Assessment Programme. During ground trials and open range fire tests, Sanders successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of various missile warning technologies that will protect Royal Air Force Tornado, Jaguar and Harrier aircraft against IR threats. An Invitation To Tender (ITT) is expected soon by the U.K. MoD, relating to the protection of current U.K. airborne assets. Sanders plans to offer an upgrade of its AAR-57 Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) currently slated for US Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps platforms, which is suitable for both integral and pod-mounted solutions.

In a separate agreement, Pilkington will provide electro-optical missile warning sensors (EOMS) over the next five years to help meet Sanders' anticipated in-country sensor requirements. Pilkington Optronics will also assist Sanders in identifying other opportunities for direct and indirect U.K. suppliers.

Sanders and Pilkington are already team-mates on the U.K. Apache IR Countermeasures programme and the US Army-led Thermal Omnibus procurement. Walt Havenstein, Sanders' President said, "These two agreements both enhance our relationship with Pilkington Optronics, and provide a solid foundation for other opportunities with U.K. industry."

Bernard Rocquemont, Senior Vice President of Thomson-CS F and President of Thomson-CSF Optrosys added, "These agreements represent an excellent opportunity for us to increase our co-operation with Sanders and to expand our airborne manufacturing capability."

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