Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. officials told reporters attending the 2002 Air Force Association National Convention here today that the company is focusing on a "systems of systems" architecture development approach to determine the attributes necessary to support customer requirements.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. is a business area of Lockheed Martin Corp. .

"Uninhabited air vehicles (UAVs) are a key part of the new capabilities mix," said Neil Kacena, deputy vice president of Advanced Development Programs in Palmdale, Calif. "We must first, however, focus on developing a feasible concept of operation, then derive the system requirements and capabilities. We must recognize that each UAV system is a total system that must be integrated into a largely manned battle space environment."

Lockheed Martin's goal is to use a skilled, capability-focused team to integrate multiple technologies into a total system, which can then be a valued-added part of a system of systems, in a timely, affordable manner to meet the customers' requirements.

Advanced Development Programs has a long-term commitment, in partnership with its customers, to develop a technology portfolio that provides innovative ideas that will lead to the products of tomorrow. The technology challenge is how to affordably improve yesterday's products with current technology to meet future requirements.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is organized to perform on existing contracts while focusing on the "solution invention" front end of the aeronautics business. The company optimizes its resources by emphasizing the cross-product transfer of concepts and technologies. These efforts are applied to combat aircraft, air mobility aircraft and special mission and reconnaissance aircraft.

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-16, F/A-22, F-35 JSF, F-117, T-50, C-5, C-130, C-130J, P-3, S-3 and U-2.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corp., 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. Employing about 125,000 people worldwide, Lockheed Martin had 2001 sales of $24 billion.

For more information Lockheed Martin Corp., visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

For more information Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., visit: http://www.lmaeronautics.com/

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company