LightWorks Optics, Inc. Awarded Optical Production Contract As Part of US Foreign Military Sales Contract

LightWorks Optics, Inc. a leading provider of precision optical systems, assemblies and components, has been awarded two contracts totaling more than $20 million dollars from Lockheed Martin for the production of two specialized optical assemblies integral to the Infrared Search and Track (IRST™) sensor system for the F-15.

The project award represents about half of an expected four-year, $40 million dollar total contract; after all associated orders have been received. LightWorks Optics has a long history with Lockheed Martin as a preferred supplier of advanced optical systems and assemblies, and has been building optics for the F-15’s Infrared Focus Assembly (IFA) and external window, or Dome assembly, since 2002.

“We are very pleased to be collaborating with Lockheed Martin on such a significant project,” said Dan Barber, LightWorks Optics Chief Executive Officer. “Over the next several years we anticipate a significant increase in new skilled personnel hires to accommodate the production schedule, and have already collaborated with Lockheed Martin to qualify an improved new coating technology that will extend the life-cycle of the IRST optics.”

The IRST system is used on military aircraft to detect and track enemy objects which emit infrared radiation, such as jet aircraft and helicopters, without exposing themselves to detection. The IRST system can also be used as an alternative to radar-based search and track functions, when external radar is being used to vector them onto a target.

Production of the IRST optical assemblies is currently underway, with an anticipated delivery of the first shipment of optical assemblies in October, 2012.

For more information about LightWorks Optics, Inc. and the full range of design, development and fabrication services and capabilities, please visit the new website at www.lightworksoptics.com.