The unique propulsion system that enables one of the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, a business area of Lockheed Martin Corporation , Joint Strike Fighter variants to hover, travel at supersonic speeds and land vertically, has won the prestigious Collier Trophy.

The award recognizes "the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America," specifically for "improving the performance, efficiency and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year."

The team that developed the Integrated Shaft-Driven Lift Fan Propulsion System includes Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman , BAE SYSTEMS, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce, under the leadership of the Department of Defense Joint Strike Fighter Program Office.

Lockheed Martin holds the patent on the heart of the propulsion system -- the shaft-driven lift fan -- which multiplies lifting force. The system was flown in June, July and August 2001 in the JSF X-35B demonstrator. The aircraft achieved 17 vertical takeoffs, 14 short takeoffs, 27 vertical landings and five supersonic flights.

Enabled by the propulsion system's new technology, the X-35B on July 20 became the first and only aircraft in history to perform a short takeoff, a level supersonic dash and vertical landing in a single flight.

"Lockheed Martin is proud to be part of this history-making team," said Tom Burbage, executive vice president and general manager of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. "The innovative lift fan propulsion system is the product of collaboration across a strong international team representing the world's best engineering talent. We congratulate the entire Integrated Lift Fan Propulsion System team for winning this most important and prestigious award."

The Collier Trophy was established in 1911, and is awarded by the National Aeronautic Association.

The next-generation F-35 JSF is a stealthy (radar-evading), supersonic multi-role fighter designed to meet the U.S. government's requirements for a new generation of transformational weapons. The single-engine aircraft will be manufactured in three versions: a conventional-takeoff-and-landing (CTOL) variant for the U.S. Air Force, an aircraft-carrier version (CV) for the U.S. Navy, and a short-takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) version for the U.S. Marine Corps. The United Kingdom is evaluating both the STOVL and CV versions. Canada joined the F-35 JSF program on Feb. 7.

Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 JSF in conjunction with its principal partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE SYSTEMS.

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, F-35 JSF, F-117, C-5, C-27J, C-130, P-3 and U-2.

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

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company