Lockheed Martin has completed a program milestone for the integrating system that links the numerous sensors, weapons and systems currently operational in the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System. The Lockheed Martin-led Missile Defense National Team successfully completed the preliminary design review for a major upgrade to the training component of the Command, Control, Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) system, the hub of the Ballistic Missile Defense System.

As the force multiplier for the Ballistic Missile Defense system, the C2BMC system globally and regionally networks, integrates and synchronizes individual missile defense elements, systems and operations to optimize performance. This vital system enables key users at strategic, regional and operational levels to systematically plan ballistic missile defense operations, collectively see the battle develop, and dynamically manage designated networked sensors and weapons.

"C2BMC is an integral part of all system ground and flight tests," said Jim Quinn, vice president of C4ISR Systems for Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Solutions. "This design review ensures that the system continues to evolve to meet customer expectations."

Through its operational software and networks, the C2BMC program provides redundant connectivity and enables on-site operations and sustainment for global combatant commanders. This preliminary design review is a checkpoint to ensure that the program is on track and meeting the requirements for new capabilities being integrated into the existing system.

The new capabilities in this review focused on the distributed training system, which will support the existing operational system for C2BMC personnel at various locations around the world. This training system provides the flexibility to simulate the operational system with digital models, hardware-in-the-loop assets, and/or operational systems for more realistic training and real world operational exercises.

Lockheed Martin leads the Missile Defense National Team, which is responsible for the development and deployment of the C2BMC system. The majority of the work for C2BMC is conducted in Arlington, Va., Huntsville, Al., and Colorado Springs, Colo.