Kelly Aviation Center, L.P., a joint venture between Lockheed Martin Aircraft & Logistics Centers and GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE), has been selected by GEAE to perform F110 fighter engine production, overhaul, and service at its facility in San Antonio, Texas.

The agreement involves final assembly of F110-GE-129 and F110-GE-100B engine models that power Lockheed Martin F-16C/D aircraft, as well as engine inspection and testing. In addition, Kelly Aviation Center will provide technical support for the GE F118 engine powering the United States Air Force's fleet of U-2S reconnaissance aircraft.

Based on its proven safety record and high reliability, the F110-GE-129 has been chosen to power more than 75 percent of the U.S. Air Force's single- engine F-16 Block 50/52 aircraft. The F118 is a non-afterburning derivative of the F110; the Lockheed Martin U-2S is re-engined with the F118-GE-101. This greatly increases the ceiling, range, ease of flight, and safety of this reconnaissance aircraft.

"The quality, dedication and skills of our Kelly employees results in the continued confidence from our customers to place additional workloads into our facility," said Ed Bergin, President and General Manager of Kelly Aviation Center, L.P. "Readiness of our Armed Forces is our paramount objective. We will deliver quality products, on schedule and at competitive prices".

Lockheed Martin and GE formed the joint venture in July 2002. The facility currently performs overhaul and maintenance for the TF39 and T56 engines that power airlift and maritime surveillance aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard.

In 2003, the joint venture will begin the assembly, inspection and test workload for 88 F110-GE-132 engines for the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 60 aircraft being delivered to the United Arab Emirates.

GE Aircraft Engines, a division of General Electric Company , is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma Moteurs of France and GE. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial applications. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non- GE jet engines in service throughout the world. Visit GEAE online at http://www.geae.com/.

Lockheed Martin Aircraft & Logistics Centers, headquartered in Greenville, S.C., is the aerospace support arm of the Technology Services Business Area of the Lockheed Martin Corporation and is one of the leading providers of aircraft maintenance and integrated life cycle support services for the Department of Defense and commercial customers. Visit LMALC on line at http://lmalc.external.lmco.com/.

Lockheed Martin Corporation , headquartered in Bethesda, Md., 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.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Corporation