As a scheduled part of the F/A-22 program's ongoing developmental efforts, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co.'s facility here has successfully completed the modification and upgrade effort necessary for Raptor 08 to begin Dedicated Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (DIOT&E). Raptor 08 is the first of three F/A-22s scheduled to undergo DIOT&E readiness modifications at Palmdale.

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

"Performing the modifications on Raptor 08 was a tremendous opportunity for us," said Rick Baker, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. vice president and Palmdale site general manager. "We couldn't be more proud to be part of this exciting flight-test program."

Based on lessons learned from the F/A-22 program's ongoing developmental flight-test activities, Raptor 08 underwent a series of structural and electrical system modifications to support a wide swath of operational profiles, such as various speeds, altitude and angles of attack to make ready for DIOT&E planned for next year. After the jet arrived on July 2, a crew of just 14 technicians was able to complete the upgrades on schedule.

"We're very proud of that accomplishment," Baker said. "We will ensure that all the latest upgrades are included so the DIOT&E fleet of jets will have a common configuration. These activities are a critical aspect of the F/A-22 Raptor program's development effort and low-rate production phase."

Raptor 08 departed the company's Palmdale facility on Oct. 4. Now back at Edwards, Raptor 08 will continue to perform developmental flight-test activities primarily in avionics testing before being transferred to the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC) detachment located there. Raptors 10 and 11 are expected to arrive at Palmdale for their DIOT&E modifications later this year. Previously, Raptor 07 underwent its DIOT&E modifications at Edwards AFB while Raptor 09 was upgraded at the company's facility in Marietta, Ga.

AFOTEC's mission is to challenge and validate during realistic operational activities whether the Raptor is as lethal, survivable and reliable as is it was designed to be. DIOT&E is currently scheduled to begin during the second quarter of 2003.

The F/A-22 Raptor air dominance fighter is built by Lockheed Martin in partnership with Boeing, powered by Pratt and Whitney engines and made from parts and subsystems provided by approximately 1,200 subcontractors and suppliers in 46 states. Principal production activities take place at Lockheed Martin facilities in Marietta, Ga., Fort Worth, Texas, and Palmdale, Calif., as well as at Boeing's plant in Seattle, Wash.

Final assembly and initial flight-testing of the Raptor occurs at the Marietta factory, headquarters for the F/A-22 program's contractor team. At Palmdale, the Raptor's low-observable wing and vertical tail edges, low- observable antennas and radomes are built. Approximately 300 employees support the program in Palmdale.

The Raptor will replace the aging F-15 Eagle as America's premier front- line fighter jet starting in 2005. The Raptor's balanced design of stealth, supercruise speed and super-agility, along with its advanced integrated avionics and overall user-friendliness, makes the aircraft truly transformational and will allow the F/A-22 to help the Pentagon shorten future wars and save American and allied lives.

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 on Lockheed Martin Corp., visit:
   http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

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

MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here
http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X33694425

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company