Lockheed to Open Test Center in May

The Huntsville Integrated Test Center is being equipped with high-speed, fiber-optic connectivity, allowing it to connect to government laboratories and major first- and second-tier missile defense suppliers.

The Lockheed HIT Center will provide high-fidelity, end-to-end testing of missile defense systems with full hardware and digital functionality, applying the "test-like-you-fly" philosophy. The center will support full-scale hardware-in-the-loop testing of missile defense interceptor and ground systems in a reconfigurable environment.

Featuring two 5-axis motion simulators with infrared scene generators, the center will support salvo and multi-tiered intercept scenarios, hardware and software validation, risk reduction and rapid evaluation of evolving threats.

"This facility demonstrates Lockheed Martin's commitment to advancing the state-of-the-art in missile defense capabilities," said John W. Holly, vice president of Missile Defense Systems, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company. "It also represents our continued investment in the Huntsville community, which plays a key role in protecting our nation."

Lockheed had a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday for the 21,000ft² building. Company, government, military and local community leaders were in attendance