Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company today announced the appointment of C.T. "Tom" Burbage, 53, as Executive Vice President and General Manager for Lockheed Martin's Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) team.

Burbage will be responsible for every aspect of the JSF program, including teaming arrangements with Lockheed Martin's JSF partners; customer program activities in Washington, D.C.; international customer support; advocacy within the corporation; completion of the Concept Demonstration Phase and X-35 flight-test program; and execution of activities supporting implementation of the next program phase, Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD).

"The addition of Tom's expertise to our JSF leadership team enhances our strength and depth as we pursue this corporation's highest-priority new business opportunity," said Dain M. Hancock, President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "His broad experience with our customer base and his successful track record in previous program leadership positions make him uniquely qualified to lead our team as we move toward the upcoming JSF Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase."

Hancock said Frank J. Cappuccio, who has led the program since 1998, will now concentrate his efforts on developing a JSF proposal that is fully responsive to the government's requirements. The government is expected to issue final proposal requirements for the program's EMD phase in the near future. Lockheed Martin and Boeing are scheduled to submit their proposals in February, with contractor selection anticipated by the government next fall.

"Frank has done a marvelous job of preparing the program for EMD. He continues as a key part of our leadership team and will enhance our win strategy by bringing additional focus and insight to the critical task of preparing our proposal," Hancock said. "This strategy is consistent with our philosophy of establishing the EMD organization prior to contract award."

Burbage joined Lockheed Martin in 1980 after serving as a Naval aviator and test pilot. He was appointed Vice President for the company's Washington Operations in 1987 and was named Vice President of Business Development at the company's site in Marietta, Ga., in 1992. He later served as Vice President and AFX Program Manager and as Vice President and General Manager for Navy Programs. He was named F-22 Vice President and General Manager in 1995 and led the Lockheed Martin-Boeing Raptor team until being named President of the former Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems Company in early 1999.

Burbage was named Executive Vice President for Customer Requirements following the creation of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company on January 27, 2000, when operations in Fort Worth, Tex., Marietta, Ga., and Palmdale, Calif., were consolidated in a single company.

Lockheed Martin received one of two JSF Concept Demonstration contracts awarded by the Department of Defense in November 1996. The first of two X-35 demonstrator aircraft began flight tests on Oct. 24 of this year, and flight evaluations will continue through the summer of 2001. Lockheed Martin's JSF team includes Northrop Grumman and BAE SYSTEMS.

Lockheed Martin is headquartered in Bethesda, Md., and is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development and manufacture of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's core businesses are systems integration, space, aeronautics and technology services. Lockheed Martin had 1999 sales surpassing $25 billion.

For information on Lockheed Martin Corporation, visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/.

For information on Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company and the JSF program, visit: http://www.lmaeronautics.com/.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company