Lockheed Martin said today it has agreed to acquire the hypersonics portfolio of Huntsville, AL-based software and systems engineering company Integration Innovation, known as i3.
“The portfolio alignment between i3 and Lockheed Martin provides the opportunity to design and deliver hypersonic-specific technology solutions that benefit the warfighter,” the company said.
Lockheed said adding i3’s hypersonic strike and defense business “will expand capabilities for customers across several mission areas and national security needs, while also allowing for more integrated solutions.”
The deal is expected to close in about 30 days. After closing, i3’s hypersonics portfolio will fall under Lockheed’s space business.
Lockheed has made hypersonics an area of particular focus. Last year, Marillyn Hewson, the company’s then-chief executive, said Lockheed’s hypersonic work could be worth more than $3.5 billion.
Ken Possenriede, Lockheed's chief financial officer, said at the same time the company was moving from prototype into production.
“You will see this year, next year and into 2021 us continue to perform on these programs from a prototype development standpoint," Possenriede continued. "Perhaps shape a couple more programs and get a few more in our backlog -- but production won't happen for the next couple years."