FARNBOROUGH, England, July 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The F-16
continues to deliver security through air power. Continued orders and the
infusion of advanced technologies keep the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) F-16
Fighting Falcon the multirole fighter of choice for nations worldwide.
Lockheed Martin is highlighting the stellar performance, advanced
capabilities and superior benefits of the F-16 this week at the Farnborough
International Air Show.
"The F-16 is known as the world's most capable, supportable,
affordable, interoperable and proven multirole fighter available today,"
said June Shrewsbury, Lockheed Martin vice president for F-16 programs.
"The program continues to evolve to meet the growing demands of our
customers, and each new variant integrates the latest technologies making
it viable for many years to come."
Currently, the company is delivering two advanced versions of the F-16
and has firm deliveries scheduled through 2009. "We also see the potential
for hundreds of additional F-16 sales over the next few years," said
Shrewsbury. "The F-16 has a bright future and continues to provide great
value and capability to our customers."
Most recently -- in April -- Lockheed Martin achieved a significant
production milestone with the delivery of its 4,300th F-16 aircraft that is
now in service for Oman, which purchased 12 Advanced Block 50 F-16s in the
Peace A'sama A'safiyah (Clear Skies) Program. Clear Skies is a U.S.
Government Foreign Military Sales program. The Omani F-16s are just one of
six F-16 aircraft programs now in production at the Fort Worth facility.
Lockheed Martin is currently producing F-16 aircraft for Chile, Israel,
Oman, Poland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Greece has also recently
placed an order for 30 F-16 aircraft planned for delivery in 2009.
"Our company and its employees take great pride in producing an
aircraft that is critical to the national security of the United States and
its allies," said Shrewsbury. "The delivery of aircraft 4,300 in April is
an unprecedented achievement in multirole fighter aircraft production
history and a true testament to the advancements Lockheed Martin has
integrated into the aircraft to keep this fighter on the forefront of
technology and capability."
Aircraft now being produced for Chile, Oman, Poland, Israel and Greece
are the Advanced Block 50/52 F-16C single-seat configuration and the F-16D
two- seat configuration. The UAE was the launch customer for the Block 60
F-16 version, which is also produced in single-seat (F-16E) and two-seat
(F-16F) configurations. Known as Desert Falcon, the Block 60 aircraft is
the latest and most advanced version of the F-16.
Shrewsbury said Lockheed Martin is equally committed to the
modification and sustainment of the worldwide F-16 fleet over its service
life. "The F-16 has a proven worldwide support infrastructure that includes
a logistics network operating from air bases around the world. With its
robust sustainment and upgrade options, the F-16 will be in service for at
least 40 more years, making it supportable, reliable and cost effective."
In addition to sharing technologies with the F-22 and F-35, the world's
only 5TH Generation Fighters(TM), the F-16 offers a variety of solutions to
meet customers' economic, technical and industrial needs with an unrivaled
record in meeting and exceeding customer commitments.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000
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 2005
sales of $37.2 billion.
For additional information, visit our Website:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com
SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
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CONTACT:
Lockheed Martin Chalet, Mary Jo Polidore,
+1-817-308-5553, or mary.jo.polidore@lmco.com , or Catherine
Blades, +1-817-907-5532, or catherine.h.blades@lmco.com , or
David Jewell, +1-817-366-2558, or david.m.jewell@lmco.com , or
Fort Worth, Laurie Quincy, +1-817-899-8153, or
laurie.a.quincy@lmco.com , all of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Company
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