The Lockheed Martin -led F-22 Raptor industry team marked a milestone last week, as the newest version of the program's advanced integrated avionics software package -- Block 3.1 -- was successfully flown for the first time at the Air Force's Combined Test Facility at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Block 3.1's 2.7-hour first flight, which occurred on April 25, was flown on Raptor 06, the sixth test aircraft built.

"The Block 3.1 software supplies more than 90 percent of the total functionality planned for the F-22's integrated avionics, including increased radar, electronic warfare and communication, navigation and identification capabilities, as well as an additional global positioning system capability," said Bob Rearden, Lockheed Martin F-22 vice president and general manager. "With this software, we are now ready to finish accomplishing all of the flight-test program's remaining objectives."

The F-22's advanced integrated avionics suite allows the pilot to operate in battle conditions without the burden of managing individual sensors, which dramatically improves the pilot's situational awareness and enhances the performance of both aviator and aircraft. The aircraft's integrated avionics is comprised of hardware and software produced by F-22 team members Lockheed Martin, Boeing and other key suppliers. Northrop Grumman and Raytheon build the aircraft's multimode APG-77 radar as a joint venture.

F-22 Raptor prime contractor Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. is responsible for the successful development and initial testing of the aircraft's advanced integrated avionics suite at both its Marietta, Ga., and Fort Worth, Texas, facilities. F-22 team partner Boeing is responsible for final integration, testing and software delivery of the F-22's advanced avionics.

The F-22 is built by Lockheed Martin in partnership with Boeing, with help from approximately 1,200 subcontractors and suppliers in 46 states. The Raptor, powered by Pratt and Whitney engines, will replace the venerable F-15 Eagle starting in 2005. Its balanced design of stealth, supercruise speed and super-agility, along with its advanced integrated avionics and overall user- friendliness, will allow the F-22 to help shorten future wars and save American and allied lives.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, 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-22, F-16, Joint Strike Fighter, F-117, C-5, C-27J, C-130, P-3 and U-2.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin Corp. is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. Employing approximately 125,000 people worldwide, Lockheed Martin had 2001 sales of $24 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company