Inglewood, Calif., September 20, 2000 - Foam Matrix Inc., a developer of advanced composite structural core systems, today announced it has been selected as a subcontractor for the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) program by prime contractor Lockheed Martin. Foam Matrix's patented "Foam Matrix Core System" (FMC-System) - an advanced method for producing net molded structural cores - will be used to develop foam cores for the wings and tail fin of the JASSM - a conventional, air-to-ground standoff missile currently under development for the U.S. Air Force and Navy. Foam Matrix was awarded the subcontract due to its success in developing core structures for various aerospace and commercial applications. Unveiled earlier this year at Lockheed Martin's Troy, Alabama facility, JASSM has the potential to become a multi-million dollar, multi-year program for Foam Matrix, which could be the largest order of its kind for the Southern California-based company.

"There are good structural core manufacturers out there, but having our technology selected over these companies by a customer like Lockheed Martin, truly validates our production method and final product," said Kent Sherwood, president of Foam Matrix, Inc. "Our proven FMC-System foam core structures will enable our JASSM customers to satisfy a variety of mission requirements."

Foam Matrix Meets JASSM Requirements

Specifications for JASSM's wing and tail fin core structures require combined capabilities of a material that is lightweight to minimize overall payload weight and extend the missile's standoff range; flexible in design and integration to conform to the wing and tail fin's cavity space, allowing room for internal components and subsystems such as electrical conduit, antennas, spars and gages; tolerant to withstand the forces and weather conditions of flight; simple in design and production to reduce assembly procedures, manpower, parts count and maintenance; and affordable in initial and lifecycle ownership costs.

"Foam Matrix's composite structural core technology met all of our requirements," said Terry Little, JASSM Program Director. "This product integrates well with JASSM's design, enables optimal vehicle performance and is cost-efficient."

FMC-System: Proven Structural Core Development Method

Foam Matrix's FMC-System produces high quality, low cost, composite structural cores that can be designed and integrated into a variety of environments. Unlike most structural cores that require excess assembly tools, integration parts and materials such as fasteners, splices and potting compounds, the FMC-System is a one-step, one-tool method that greatly reduces traditional production processes and maintenance as well as the costs associated with both. Foam Matrix structural cores have been proven in aerospace and commercial applications to include the Pegasus rocket, unmanned vehicle systems, light aircraft wings, wind turbine blades, and sporting goods such as surfboards and wind surfers.

JASSM: 21st Century High Tech Standoff Weapon

The JASSM is a conventional, air-to-ground missile capable of long-range standoff missions. Designed to destroy high-value, fixed and mobile land targets, JASSM's standoff range capability enables Air Force and Navy aircraft to deliver the weapon out of danger from hostile air defense systems. Advanced guidance features including autonomous terminal guidance, Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) inertial guidance, deliver the weapon to its intended target with pinpoint accuracy and high lethality. Operable in adverse weather conditions and GPS jam resistant, JASSM is a highly survivable standoff weapon capable of penetrating and destroying any known hostile, land-based threat. Aircraft delivery platforms include Air Force F-16, B-52, B-1 and B-2, and Navy F-18.

Foam Matrix Inc.

Located in Inglewood, California, Foam Matrix Inc., an ISO 9000 certified company, develops high quality, cost efficient composite structural core systems for a variety of aerospace and commercial applications. The company's patented FMC-System produces structural core systems that can be designed to meet a customer's integration, performance and cost requirements.

Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's core businesses are systems integration, space, aeronautics and technology services.