Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. officials told reporters attending the 2002 Air Force Association National Convention here today that the company's airlift products would empower the U.S. Air Force to meet future mission requirements -- no matter what the operating environment.

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

"The CC-130J Super Hercules, the new standard in airlift, has the performance necessary to transform the way armies will fight in the future," said Jim Grant, director of Domestic Market Development at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "This aircraft has both the tactical and strategic envelopes that will allow personnel and armor to be delivered directly to the fight -- no matter how austere the environment. When coupled with the newly upgraded C-5s, the 'bulk' carriers for the military, the U.S. will have the air mobility capability to reach out and confront any future threat."

The CC-130J is the most advanced airlifter available, capable of meeting both the U.S. Air Force and Army's new rapid-deployment requirements. The aircraft is solidly supported by the U.S. government and is on track for a multiyear procurement in the 2003 defense budget. The CC-130J "Super Hercules" is operational across the spectrum of airlift requirements and has established a reputation as the world's most-flexible airlifter.

Also, the C-5 brings the best airlift value to the operational arena. It is undergoing two upgrade programs -- Avionics Modernization and Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining -- both of which are under way with no major technical issues. The C-5 program is meeting all major milestones, and the upgrades will sustain weapon system viability and provide significant performance improvements at reduced operation and support costs.

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-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