RAPTOR GETS FULL-PRODUCTION OK.Byline: Daily News PALMDALE - The Lockheed Martin For the former company, see . Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is a leading multinational aerospace manufacturer and advanced technology company formed in 1995 by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta. F/A-22 Raptor fighter aircraft fighter aircraft Aircraft designed primarily to secure control of essential airspace by destroying enemy aircraft in combat. Designed for high speed and maneuverability, they are armed with weapons capable of striking other aircraft in flight. has been given the green light by Department of Defense acquisition officials to enter into full-scale production. A report released recently by the Department of Defense said Under Secretary of Defense Michael W. Wynne approved the plan. The decision marks the transition for the Air Force's premier fighter program to a new level of confidence and maturity. ``This is great news for war-fighters whether they are soldiers on the ground or airmen guarding the skies,'' said Larry Lawson Larry Lawson is an American playwright, actor, and director. He, along with Levi Lee and Rebecca Wackler, created the plays Some Things You Need to Know Before the World Ends (A Final Evening with the Illuminati) and Tent Meeting. , Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. executive vice president, and general manager of the F/A-22 program. ``This decision reflects confidence in the performance of the aircraft demonstrated during an exhaustive independent operational test and evaluation (testing) operational test and evaluation - (OT&E) Formal testing conducted prior to deployment to evaluate the operational effectiveness and suitability of the system with respect to its mission. program as well as the team's proven ability to produce the aircraft. This is the culmination of a tremendous effort put forward by many in the Air Force as well as industry. The Raptor team understands the overwhelming capability the F/A-22 provides is vital today and must also be relevant for three to four decades to come.'' This F/A-22 program milestone follows initial operational test findings in February and March by both the Air Force and the Department of Defense that judged the aircraft to be ``overwhelming effective'' in its performance. The Raptor is built by Lockheed Martin in partnership with Boeing and Pratt & Whitney. Parts and subsystems are provided by approximately 1,000 suppliers in 42 states. F/A-22 production takes place at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics facilities in Palmdale; Meridian, Miss.; Marietta, Ga.; and Fort Worth, Texas Fort Worth is the fifth-largest city in the state of Texas, 18th-largest city in the United States[1], and voted one of "America’s Most Livable Communities. , as well as at Boeing's plant in Seattle. Final assembly and initial flight-testing of the Raptor will be done at the Marietta plant facilities. The Raptor is expected to be in operation in December at Langley Air Force Base Langley Air Force Base, U.S. military installation, 3,195 acres (1,293 hectares), SE Va., N of Hampton; est. 1917 and named for aviation pioneer Samuel P. Langley. in Virginia. |
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