WATERLOO, Ontario, April 19, 2016 – Lockheed Martin (LMT) has invested $1.1 million into a research project that explores the design and feasibility of a mobile system that would reduce the work required by the heart and cardiac system for people engaging in a sustained period of exercise.

The investment was formally announced here today at the University of Waterloo’s Aerospace Defence Industry Forum, which featured speakers from Lockheed Martin Canada, National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE).

“Corporate investments and partnerships such as the one we have with Lockheed Martin make a tremendous difference in the strides we’re able to make in university research,” said D. George Dixon, vice-president, University Research at the University of Waterloo. “We’re grateful and pleased to collaborate with Lockheed Martin on the Second Heart project especially since this project has evolved to a significant state of maturity.”

The Second Heart project explores the design and feasibility of a mobile system for calf muscle pulsation. The intention of this system is to provide workload reduction on the heart and cardiac system for athletes and people with regular and sustained periods of exercise such as soldiers on watch or delivery personnel.

Beyond Lockheed Martin Canada’s support for ground-breaking university research, the Second Heart research also represents an integral project connected to the Air Capability Program – Tactical Industrial Regional Benefit Commitment. This program provides research and development support for new technology development through offset investments.

The offset investment supporting the University of Waterloo research project is part of Lockheed Martin Canada’s industrial and technological benefits obligations associated with Canada’s purchase, maintenance, and support of 17 CC-130J Super Hercules aircraft, which were delivered in 2010.

“We are pleased to see that our Industrial and Regional Benefit investment into the Second Heart project has produced concrete results,” says Charles Bouchard, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Canada. "The success of this research is an excellent example of how collaboration between academia and the private sector can help transform ground-breaking research into technological advances that can be used in the daily lives of Canadians and creating the opportunity for lasting business growth in our economy."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development said “I am very pleased that Lockheed Martin has made a long term commitment to research in Canada in this important area. These investments help grow our economy and drive the commercialization of new products. The Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy requires contractors to invest an amount in Canada equal to the value of the defence contracts they secure, and this is an excellent example of that policy in action.”

About Lockheed Martin Canada

Lockheed Martin Canada is a highly diversified global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, manufacture, and integration of advanced-technology products. By applying the innovative approaches of our highly skilled and experienced Canadian-based workforce, we have been Canada’s trusted defence partner for over 75 years. The company employs more than 850 employees at major facilities in Ottawa, Montreal, Dartmouth, Calgary, and Victoria, working on a wide range of major programs spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors.

For additional information, visit our newly launched website: www.lockheedmartin.com/ca.

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