F-35 MODEL MEETS PRESS IN KOREA JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER MODEL AT AIR SHOW.

Byline: Daily News

Lockheed Martin displayed the F-35 joint strike fighter cockpit demonstrator and full-scale model during the Korea Aerospace and Defense Exhibition in Seoul.

Lockheed Martin said the purpose of the display was to explain to an international audience the capabilities of the joint strike fighter aircraft, the first versions of which are being assembled.

During a briefing at the defense show, David Scott, Lockheed Martin's vice president of international JSF business development, updated reporters on the F-35 and highlighted other Lockheed Martin aircraft programs, including the F/A-22, F-16, C-130J and T-50.

Scott said the F-35 combines stealth with fighter maneuverability and agility, new levels of situational awareness for the pilot and reductions in ownership costs.

``The strategic planners of many nations are looking for breakthrough, game-changing technologies to shape their future security environments,'' Scott said.

Scott said F-35 will let countries replace aging fighters and share logistics, training systems, tactics and strategies with their allies.

The F-35 could be available as early as 2014 through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program for countries not currently participating in the unique multinational development effort.

The F-35 is being developed by an international contractor-government partnership consisting of the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark and Norway.

Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan and the F136 turbofan from the General Electric Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team.

Scott also spoke about Lockheed Martin's F/A-22, which the U.S. Air Force is placing into service.

Components for both the F/A-22 and the F-35 are being manufactured in Palmdale.

Lockheed Martin is also making two new versions of its F-16 fighter.

Scott said his company has delivered 127 C-130J Super Hercules transports and has 53 more on contract.

In addition, the first five operational T-50s supersonic trainers are in final assembly, with delivery of the first aircraft running two to three months early. The T-50 is being developed by Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. for the South Korean Air Force.

Lockheed Martin is the principal subcontractor to KAI on the full scale development program and is responsible for developing the T-50 avionics system, digital flight control system and wings. KAI and Lockheed Martin have an agreement for joint international marketing of the T-50.