Lockheed Martin Selects Autotest Company for MK 41

Vertical Launch System (VLS) Test Project

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (April 18, 2002) Autotest Company, San Antonio, TX, today announced that  Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics and Surveillance Systems (NE&SS)-Marine Systems in Baltimore has selected Autotest Company to provide a series of multi-functional Automated Test Equipment (ATE) units for application with the MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS).

The MK 41 VLS is the surface naval missile launcher of choice in the U.S. Navy and around the world, utilized by 11 countries in 16 different ship classes.  The multi-million dollar MK 41 VLS project involves the integration of military critical tasks and codes with proven industry standardized test scenarios. The multi-faceted project includes hardware interfaces and software application programming using Autotest’s Automated Program Generator (APG) for Windows software. Real time control and display capabilities are utilized for testing, troubleshooting and characterization. With the Autotest system, a MK 41 VLS Unit Under Test (UUT) program can be enhanced with dialogue control and the seamless integration of non-standard resources and standard instrumentation.

Several MK 41 modules will be tested with the Autotest developed equipment.  The modules include: Cell Control Module (CCM); Hazard Control Module (HCM); and the Power Module Tray Assembly (PMTA).  

Autotest's Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, Robert Moyer said, "Autotest systems offer the inherent ability to test and evaluate all critical power outputs and quality control parameters.  Autotest’s APG for Windows features provide a very user–friendly interface for incorporating specific military applications and system requirements for the operation of the MK 41 VLS.” 

Michael McGregor, Autotest vice president for sales and marketing, added: "Autotest Company is extremely pleased to partner with Lockheed Martin on this multi-faceted and critical MK 41 VLS project.  We are uniquely equipped to provide them with a comprehensive, flexible package that integrates non-standard, sensitive and complex military requirements with time tested industry accepted tests and protocols in a seamless, cost-effective and timely manner".

About Lockheed Martin

Specializing in the MK41 VLS, systems integration and advanced hull form technologies, NE&SS – Marine Systems is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation.  Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced-technology systems, products and services.  The company’s core businesses are systems integration, space, aeronautics and technology services.

About Autotest Company

Autotest Company designs, manufactures and markets Automated Test Equipment (ATE), power supply, Fuel Cell and UPS test products and systems for the power source industry. AUTOTEST, the AUTOTEST logo, and APG for Windows are trademarks of Autotest Company. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corp.

For more information visit the Autotest Website at www.autotest.com or contact: 

Dan Buchan          Tel: 210-661-8661  Fax: 210-661-3625  E-Mail: danb@autotest.com