Lockheed Martin announced today it received an $8.7 million contract to develop a low-profile mast sensor system for the US Navy's Virginia Class submarines. The system will help submarine crews observe without being detected in shallow water operations.The advanced electro-optical system -- which integrates a compact periscope mast, an electronic support measures system and an advanced imaging system -- will be designed so it can be temporarily installed on a submarine for a specific mission and removed afterwards. The system will be delivered to the Navy in 2008. Lockheed Martin's facility in Syracuse, N.Y, will develop the sensor system. Industry partners include periscope maker Kollmorgen Electro-Optical of Northampton, Mass.; electronic warfare components maker ArgonST of Fairfax, Va.; and Optics 1 of Manchester, N.H., which will provide advanced image sensor engineering. If all options are exercised, the total contract value could reach $70 million. For more information, visit: www.lockheedmartin.com