Lockheed Martin Alenia Tactical Transport Systems (LMATTS) announced today that a C-27J Spartan tactical airlifter will visit six locations across the United States over the next two weeks. This tour will provide the U.S. Army with an opportunity to take a close look at the C-27J. The Army has expressed great interest in the C-27J to meet its requirement for a new fixed wing lift aircraft. During the six stops the C-27J will demonstrate its outstanding performance and tactical capabilities. Tour locations and dates are scheduled as follows:

   --   Sept. 16 - Andrews Air Force Base, Washington, D.C.
   --   Sept. 19 - Indianapolis International Airport, Indianapolis, Ind.
   --   Sept. 22 - Huntsville International Airport, Huntsville, Ala.
   --   Sept. 24 - Sacramento Mather Airport, Sacramento, Calif.
   --   Sept. 26 - Army Airfield, Ft. Lewis, Wash.
   --   Oct. 1 - Bryant Army Airport, Ft. Richardson, Alaska.

The tour follows the recent sale of 12 C-27Js to the Italian Air Force and 12 to the Hellenic Air Force of Greece with an option for three additional aircraft. A range of potential American, European and Asian customers have also shown interest in the C-27J.

"The acquisition of these 12 C-27J medium transport aircraft will provide the Hellenic Armed Forces with an outstanding airlift capability for their peace keeping and tactical missions in the region, and will provide meaningful aerospace workload to the domestic Hellenic aerospace industry," said Dr. Spyros Travlos, Secretary General for Financial Planning & Defense Investments of the Hellenic Ministry of Defense.

Jointly developed by Alenia Aeronautica and Lockheed Martin , the rugged C-27J tactical airlifter provides a sure, steady, fast response for a wide range of missions, including humanitarian assistance, on all types of terrain. Carrying up to 22,000 pounds of troops, equipment or vehicles, the C-27J is the only military airlifter designed specifically for mid-sized missions and payloads, and is inter-operable with the C-130 Hercules.

"Our recent contracts with the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI) and the Hellenic Air Force demonstrate the strength of the C-27J program," said Giorgio Zappa, chairman and CEO, Alenia Aeronautica. "We now look to continue our success in the United States market as we develop our long-standing trans- Atlantic partnership with Lockheed Martin on the C-27J and other joint programs."

The C-27J's first flight took place on Sept. 24, 1999, at Alenia Aeronautica's flight test center in Turin, Italy. The aircraft was civil type certified to JAR Part 25 in June 2001 and received military type certification by Italy's Ministry of Defense in December 2001.

Alenia Aeronautica is pursuing an ambitious strategy for growth in the United States, evidenced by partnerships with Lockheed Martin on such programs as the C-27J and F-35, and with Boeing on the 7E7 Dreamliner program. Alenia Spazio, the aerospace company of Alenia Aeronautica parent company Finmeccanica, is also active in developing a series of major space projects.

Lockheed Martin Alenia Tactical Transport Systems (LMATTS)

Lockheed Martin Alenia Tactical Transport Systems (LMATTS) is a joint development venture of Alenia Aeronautica and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. LMATTS was formed in 1997 with the launch of the C-27J Spartan tactical transport program. Based in Marietta, Georgia, LMATTS is owned equally by Alenia Aeronautica and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co.

Alenia Aeronautica

Alenia Aeronautica, a Finmeccanica company, is a European leader in aeronautics and a trusted partner to the world's leading aerospace companies. Headquartered in Rome, Italy, Alenia Aeronautica develops and integrates innovative military and civil aeronautical systems, from design and production to maintenance. Its activities are comprised of combat aircraft, military transport aircraft, mission systems, commercial aircraft (regional and aerostructures), most recently UAVs, modification and overhaul. Alenia Aeronautica employs more than 9,000 people on projects and programs for civil and military applications and had a value of production in 2002 of euro 1,261 million.

             For additional information, visit our Web sites:
                      http://www.lockheedmartin.com/
                       http://www.lmaeronautics.com/
                     http://www.alenia-aeronautica.it/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company