Lockheed Martin was awarded a 20-year contract by the Singapore Defence Science and Technology Agency to support the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Basic Wings Course (BWC).

"BWC is unique in the world of military flight training," said Dale Bennett, president of Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support (STS). "We are taking a systems integration approach to training and providing the RSAF with a true turnkey program -- everything from courseware to cockpits -- that will serve the Republic and its pilot trainees for the next 20 years."

Lockheed Martin's role as the BWC training systems integrator is to provide aircraft, maintenance, simulators, courseware and ground-based instructors to the RSAF's 130 Squadron at Royal Australian Air Force Base Pearce, north of Perth in Western Australia.

BWC allows the squadron to concentrate solely on high quality flight instruction. Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. will deliver the advanced PC-21 turboprop trainer and logistics support, while Hawker Pacific Ltd. will provide maintenance support.

"Our focus in BWC is to apply the latest training technologies to equip student pilots with the skills that are required to transition to next generation aircraft," explained Lorraine Martin, Lockheed Martin vice president of Flight Solutions. "The RSAF has put a lot of trust in our capabilities and we are honored to be their partner. Working closely with the RSAF, we will create a fully integrated flying training solution."

The contract calls for a two-phased approach for BWC -- a mobilization phase and a service provision phase. In the mobilization phase, Lockheed Martin will manage the aircraft production and training system components development, and establish a BWC maintenance organization. Aircraft will be delivered in early 2008 and Lockheed Martin will begin the service provision in the summer of 2008, providing BWC support for 20 years.

Lockheed Martin has a rich history of pilot, aircrew and maintenance training. The company manages programs for the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command; provides training for C-130, F-15, F-16, and F-22 crews; and is developing the pilot and maintenance training programs for the F-35 Lightning II.

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.

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

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin