PRESCOTT, Ariz., June 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced today that its Information Systems & Global Solutions' Flight Services Program is a major sponsor of the 40th Air Race Classic (ARC), the annual all-woman cross-country airplane race taking off on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. The mission of the race, a four-day, 2,700-mile event featuring 130 women pilots, is to encourage and educate current and future female pilots, increase public awareness of general aviation and demonstrate women's roles in aviation.

"Lockheed Martin has been a longtime champion of women in aviation. In fact, Amelia Earhart flew a single-engine Lockheed Vega to achieve her solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic in 1932, a first for a woman, and the plane allowed her to set a series of women's speed and distance aviation records," said Andy Hartman, program manager, Lockheed Martin Automated Flight Service Station contract.  

"Today, our Flight Services Program team provides a range of services to more than 80,000 members of the general aviation community across the country each week—many of whom are female pilots. We welcome the opportunity to support an event that promotes the tradition of pioneering women in aviation," Hartman continued.

Air Race Classic pilots range in age from 17 to 90 years old, come from a variety of backgrounds and fly a wide range of airplanes. Race teams, consisting of at least two women pilots, must fly during daylight hours only and are given four days to make flybys at each en route timing point and then land at the terminus. This year's race route honors collegiate aviation programs across the nation. The 58-aircraft fleet will begin the race at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University campus in Prescott, Arizona, which is also the location of Lockheed Martin's Flight Service hub. Representatives of the Flight Services program will be on hand to provide Weather and Flight Planning guidance through the 1800wxbrief.com Pilot Web. Follow the race process online or via social media at ‎@2016ARC and @1800wxbrief.   

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com.   

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Corporation