GBAD, an Air Defence Command, Control Communications Computers and Intelligence (ADC4I) programme, is a core element of the UK's plan to neutralise and defeat air threats to its forces and coalition forces in 21st Century combat operations.

Team Athena comprises Lockheed Martin, Electronic Data Systems (EDS), INSYS Limited, Systems Consultants Services Ltd (SCS), Westland Helicopters Ltd (WHL), an AgustaWestland Company, Advanced System Architects Ltd (ASA) and AMS along with the GBAD Weapon System Design Authorities, MBDA and Thales. The team has been specifically assembled to harness the most complementary talents from the UK and USA into one team headquartered in the UK.

Lockheed Martin, a leader in 21st century air and missile defence technology on major air defence programmes such as the Theater High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system, the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile and the transatlantic Medium Extended Air Defence System (MEADS), brings its unrivalled experience in the integration of complex weapons systems to Team Athena.

EDS, with a proven track record in a wide range of related technologies including air defence, is a leader in the development of synthetic environments and operational analysis.

INSYS is one of the electronics and communications installations Design Authority for MOD, covering installations in over 90 percent of the land platform vehicle in-service fleet. SCS, an independent consultancy, has GBAD-related expertise in airspace control, weapon systems, CIS, sensors, UAV, studies and trials.

Westland Helicopters, the Bowman supportability contractor, provides more than 50 years experience in fully integrated logistic support programmes for highly complex systems to demanding UK and International standards.

ASA provides proven tracking, sensor fusion and interoperability experience to the team. AMS has established itself as a premier supplier of ground-based radio navigation and landing aids and related ground and airborne communication systems.

The Team Athena solution for GBAD will provide a fully integrated and cohesive air defence system for the UK armed forces. Other benefits will include greater situational awareness, much improved weapon effectiveness and enhanced survivability and interoperability to support high tempo manoeuvre operations in collaboration with allied forces.

Using tailored Commercial-off-the-shelf/Military-off-the-shelf (COTS/MOTS) hardware and legacy software to reduce risk and cost throughout the life of the system, Athena will provide a Tri-Service solution to the GBAD programme that incorporates the requirements of all the Services and links to other tactical and strategic battle management C4I systems such as Bowman.

"Utilising the talents of experienced personnel from the UK and U.S., our proposed solution brings together the full strength of advanced technology and integrates it into an affordable package that will have great potential for enhancement in the future," said Ron Jones, Team Athena programme director.

"Team Athena is made up of respected UK and international partners that have a proven track record of providing cost-effective systems that work. Athena represents the transition between localised area air defence of the past and a fully integrated air defence of the future."

At the end of the Assessment Phase, a single company will be selected to continue with the �1B Demonstration and Manufacturing phase for GBAD, the purpose of which is to update and integrate the current Rapier and HVM systems within a new Air Defence Command, Control, Communications, Computing and Intelligence (ADC4I) system. This next phase of the programme is scheduled to run between 2005 and 2010.

Lockheed Martin UK, a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation, is a leader in systems integration working on major programmes spanning the aerospace, defence, civil and commercial sectors with significant capabilities in the transport infrastructure market. In the UK, Lockheed Martin has annual sales in the range of �400-600 million working with more than 75 business partners. Lockheed Martin employs approximately 1,000 people at over 10 UK facilities including London, Havant, Southampton, Yeovil, Swindon, Hertford, Bristol and Cornwall.

Related Links
TeamAthena
Lockheed Martin UK
SpaceDaily
Search SpaceDaily
Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express