Dain M. Hancock, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, made the following statement today after receiving word that the Defense Acquisition Board has approved the F-22 program to begin its Low Rate Initial Production phase:

"This is a great day for the entire F-22 Team and for our customer, the U.S. Air Force. We are pleased that the F-22 program is moving into Low Rate Initial Production and congratulate the Air Force for its success in achieving this important milestone. We are gratified and honored that the government has shown its confidence in Lockheed Martin's ability to successfully manage and integrate the large, diverse industry team that will produce the F-22. Today's decision increases confidence in the vitality of the F-22 program across our entire supplier base, which in turn benefits overall F-22 program affordability. The F-22 Team is fully committed to meeting the program's stringent cost and performance goals. We are absolutely up to the challenge of producing 331 aircraft and are committed to make that happen."

MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here
http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X65462521

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company