SAO PAULO, BRAZIL, April 11, 2011 – Lockheed Martin and Atmos Sistemas Ltda. have signed a teaming agreement to pursue the Brazilian Air Force’s future Three-Dimensional (3-D) Long-Range Radar procurement program, which seeks to upgrade and enhance air space control over South America’s largest country.
The Brazilian Air Force has said it plans to modernize a network of more than 60 sensors, including ground-based long-range radars, which maintain security and air safety over the country.
“This agreement will allow technology transfer, enhance the Brazilian defense industry and provide local, long-term support of the new radars,” said Greg Larioni, Lockheed Martin’s vice president of Ground-based Air Surveillance and Air & Missile Defense Radar Programs.
"This agreement with Lockheed Martin is of high importance to Brazil as it will allow us togain important technical knowledge in the area of 3-D medium and long-range solid-state surveillance radars,” said Claudio Carvas, CEO of Atmos Sistemas Ltda.“Lockheed Martin and Atmos already have started the necessary actions to allow the growth of this partnership throughout Latin America.”
Six Lockheed Martin TPS-77 3-D solid-state transportable radar systems – known locally as the TPS-B34 and installed between 2001 and 2005 – already assist the Air Force in conducting air surveillance and air traffic control missions in this airspace. In 2008 and 2010, the Brazilian government awarded Lockheed Martin contracts to maintain the radars. Lockheed Martin contracted with Atmos Sistemas to provide logistics and other functions.
Lockheed Martin’s TPS-77 is the latest configuration of the world’s most successful 3-Dsolid-state radar. The systems provide continuous high-quality surveillance of airborne targets out to 250 nautical miles. Lockheed Martin currently supports more than 170 3-D long-range radar systems operational in 25 countries. Many have performed for years completely unmanned in remote areas, and in a wide range of operational environments.
Atmos Sistemas, a 100 percent Brazilian company headquartered in São Paulo, specializes in defense electronic systems and provides meteorological products and sensors, surveillance systems, multi-mission surveillance radars for ground or onboard use, landing support systems, weapons and deployment, as well as maintenance and logistic support services.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.
