Ross W. Reynolds has been named vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company's C-130J program. In this new position, he will be responsible for the continued development, production and support of all C-130J aircraft.

With this appointment, the company is establishing the C-130J effort as a separate program from its operations related to the support and modification of earlier versions of the C-130 Hercules.

"The focus within this new organization will facilitate program performance, responsiveness to customer needs, and product maturation," said Dain M. Hancock, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company.

Reynolds joined Lockheed Martin in 1970. He has held increasingly responsible positions in program management and served most recently as director of F-117 programs at the Aeronautics Company's Palmdale, Calif., site.

The C-130J is playing an increasingly vital role in airlift operations around the world. The United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Italy now operate the latest version of the C-130. Ninety-six C-130Js have been ordered to date, with more international customers expected in the near future. In addition there are 12 C-130Js in the U.S. government budget for 2001. The aircraft, which represents the latest in airlift technology, is a true force- multiplier for any operator in tactical, and in some cases strategic, missions.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company is a leader in the design, development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world. Products include the F-16, F-22, C-130J, F-117, U-2, X-33 and Joint Strike Fighter, among other renowned aircraft.

LM Aeronautics is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation . Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced-technology systems, products and services. The corporation's core businesses are systems integration, space, aeronautics, and technology services.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company