FARNBOROUGH, England, July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lockheed Martin
(NYSE: LMT) today unveiled the existence of a new high altitude, unmanned
aerial demonstrator to reporters attending the Farnborough International
Air Show. The announcement was part of a review of several Skunk Works(R)
projects highlighting technologies the company is exploring to enable
technology for the future.
"This UAV is an effort to better understand the flight dynamics of a
tailless unmanned air system in support of our ongoing research and
development work for the U.S. Air Force's future Long Range Strike Program
as well as to field the next generation of structural composite concepts,"
explained Frank Cappuccio, executive vice president and general manager of
Advanced Development Programs and Strategic Planning.
Developed in only 18 months, using internal funding, unmanned system
P-175, nicknamed "Polecat" -- aligned with the well-known Skunk Works(R)
name -- represents the key tenets for which the Skunk Works(R) is known.
"It was specifically designed to verify three things: new, cost effective
rapid prototyping and manufacturing techniques of composite materials;
projected aerodynamic performance required for sustained high altitude
operations; and flight autonomy attributes," said Cappuccio. "In addition,
the company investment and the resulting successful flights are proof
positive of our commitment to developing the next inflection point in
unmanned systems."
Cappuccio said the company is also exploring technologies to enable low
boom, supersonic flight over land and global reach.
"It's easy to identify a need," said Cappuccio. "The hard part is
evolving the technology to make filling that need possible. The Skunk
Works(R) is all about advancing the art of the possible. It may sound
nebulous to some, but we thrive on ideas and innovation."
Lockheed Martin ADP, which is part of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Company, is the industry leader in innovative aerospace solutions providing
expertise, novel approaches, cutting edge technology and a commitment to
quality and timely performance to its customers.
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.
Skunk Works is a registered trademark of Lockheed Martin Corporation.
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
Palmdale, Melissa Dalton, +1-661-572-1130, or
melissa.dalton@lmco.com , or Dianne Knippel, +1-661-572-4153, or
dianne.m.knippel@lmco.com , all of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Company
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