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[May 2003]
Ceradyne Receives $7 Million Missile Funding
Ceradyne Inc (Costa Mesa, CA, USA) has been selected by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control to supply the radomes on the PAC-3 (Patriot Advanced Capability) missile system. This tactical defensive missile system is designed to intercept incoming missiles with its 'hit to kill' technology and was recently employed by the USA in the Iraq war. Ceradyne has been working with Lockheed for a number of years supplying the precision diamond grinding on prototypes and low rate initial production parts.
Lockheed Martin has determined that Ceradyne, after product qualification, will manufacture the technical ceramic radome blank, diamond machine the radome blank to precise tolerances and assemble the radome components for incorporation on the missile.
The initial US$7 million in funding is designated for certain 'long lead' equipment and tooling to be incorporated in a new 25,000 square foot facility to be leased adjoining the Ceradyne Thermo Materials plant in Scottdale, GA, USA.
Actual production quantities are subject to government funding and eventual incorporation of the PAC-3 system by US Allies as well as the USA. Assuming that the USA and its allies incorporate the PAC-3 as its defensive tactical missile system, total revenues to Ceradyne could exceed US$150 million over the life of the programme, which is expected to exceed 10 years. Ceradyne believes that production quantities will begin in 2004 at approximately a US$4 million to US$6 million annual rate.
Earl Conabee, Ceradyne Vice President responsible for missile radomes, commented: "This is a major win for Ceradyne. We are particularly pleased with Lockheed's decision to award Ceradyne the front-end funding to the anticipated 'full-up' ceramic radome contract, including ceramic blank fabrication, final finishing, and assembly. Combined with the recently announced award related to the Arrow Missile System, the Company expects to make good use of its new radome production facility here in Scottdale, Georgia".
ENDS