Edinburgh, Scotland, March 30, 2004--A new Laser Center of Excellence has been opened at BAE Systems Avionics Group Sensor Systems Division (SSD) facility (Edinburgh, Scotland). The new facility will be used in the production of the Laser System for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Electro Optical Targeting System (EOTS) following the award of a contract to BAE Systems Avionics Group by Lockheed Martin in September 2003.
"We are delighted to be officially opening the new Laser Centre of Excellence which represents a significant investment in this site and in the business' future," said Mike Sweeney, SSD managing director. "We were delighted to be awarded the JSF Laser Designator contract by Lockheed Martin which confirmed our position as one of the industry leaders worldwide in the development of laser technology. This facility is testimony to the expertise we have within the business."
The laser will provide the EOTS with a precision range measurement and a laser-guided weapon designation capability. The contract for the design and development of the laser will result in production of several thousand lasers in Edinburgh. The new facility represents an investment of £4 million (US$7.2 million), and has 4000 sq ft of open flexible manufacturing space certified to ISO Class 8. BAE Systems' specialized laminar flow optical workstations raise the standard to the ultra-clean ISO Class 5 level. The center has 21 flexible laser test rooms designed for Class 4 lasers.