Lockheed Martin has successfully bid for two contracts around the integration and production of Legion Pod, courtesy of F-15 prime contractor Boeing.
As part of the appointment, Lockheed Martin will look to fulfill a 28-month Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract and a separate Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract to produce 19 systems.
For the uninitiated, Legion Pod was previously chosen as the Infrared Search and Track system for the US Air Force’s F-15C fleet. Given it’s portability between platforms, early expansion plans are now in motion which will see Legion Pod integrated aboard the F-15E, F-16 and various unmanned systems.
As part of the EMD contract, Lockheed Martin will integrate, test and qualify Legion Pod for the US Air Force F-15C fleet. It is thought the first EMD units will be available in early 2019. Meanwhile, the first production and spares deliveries will begin in 2020 in support of the US Air Force’s Initial Operational Capability and fielding.
“With a fully integrated Legion Pod on the F-15 Eagle, the US Air Force will have a revolutionary capability to counter the most potent threats,” said Michael Williamson, Vice President of Sensors & Global Sustainment at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
“Concurrent integration and production is a testament to both Legion Pod’s maturity and proven advanced capability that is urgently needed in the field.”
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