Designers at the Lockheed Martin Corp. Missiles and Space segment in Moorestown, N.J., needed data recording systems to support their work with the Aegis ballistic missile defense (Aegis BMD) weapon system.

They found their solution from the Vortex VME Open Data Recording platform from VMETRO Inc. in Houston.

VMETRO is supplying Lockheed Martin with data recorders based on VORTEX VME technology, which includes playback of the recorded data over 10-gigabit Ethernet. Lockheed Martin will use the VMETRO data recorders in instrumentation and test equipment for the Aegis BMD signal processor (BSP).

The Aegis BSP is in development and will be installed in Aegis BMD ships beginning in 2010. It provides an advanced discrimination capability to defeat more- complex ballistic missile threats. The Aegis BSP has performed well in 10 at-sea tests over the last year.

VMETRO’s Applications Group will develop application-specific software for the record and playback requirements. This initial contract is valued at approximately $600,000 with additional systems expected over the course of the multiyear program.

“The systems we are developing for the U.S. Navy and Missile Defense Agency continue to benefit from our move to open architecture, which opens the door for innovative technologies from small businesses like VMETRO,” says Orlando Carvalho, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s business in Moorestown, N.J.

The Aegis Weapon System is a front-line naval surface defense system and is the foundation for Aegis BMD, the primary component of the sea-based element of the U.S. ballistic missile defense System.

The Aegis BMD weapon system integrates the SPY-1 radar, the MK 41 vertical launching system, the SM-3 missile and the weapon system’s command and control system. When integrated with the U.S. ballistic missile defense System, the Aegis BMD Weapon System receives cues from and provides cueing information to other BMDS elements.

The Aegis Weapon System is on 80 ships around the globe with more than 25 additional ships planned or under contract. In addition to the U.S., Aegis is the maritime weapon system of choice for Japan, South Korea, Norway, Spain and Australia. For more information contact VMETRO online at www.vmetro.com.