Lockheed Martin opened its new P-3 Orion wing production line today, marking production kickoff at its Marietta, Ga., facilities with a brief ceremony attended by Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) and Lockheed Martin officials. Norway is the initial P-3 Aircraft Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP) customer.

"Today is a landmark day for the long-term sustainment and support of the P-3 Orion," said Ray Burick, Lockheed Martin P-3/S-3 Programs vice president. "It is the culmination of literally years of hard work by many people, and the production of new life extension kits reaffirms Lockheed Martin's commitment to aircraft sustainment and further cements us as the provider of the most comprehensive range of support, sustain and refresh solutions for the P-3. As the P-3 OEM we know these aircraft best and are uniquely qualified to support them."

The RNoAF will receive six life extension kits, two conditional kits, and engineering support under the contract. Delivery of the first set of wings is scheduled for June 2009.

"The Government of Norway is pleased to observe the expanded production of wings for the P-3 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, which will extend the lifespan and improve the capabilities required to support the operational requirement of Norwegian forces," said Col. Geir Wiik, Royal Norwegian Air Force.

Each life extension kit replaces the outer wings, center wing lower surface assembly, horizontal stabilizer, wing and horizontal stabilizer leading edges and various filet fairings. All necessary fatigue-life limiting structures are replaced, allowing the RNoAF to operate its Orions for decades to come. New alloys, which are five times less corrosive and will significantly reduce maintenance and sustainment costs, are employed in the manufacture of the new components. ASLEP is the only solution that removes all current flight restrictions on the P-3.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin