Lockheed Martin Delivers First C-5M Super Galaxy

/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) today delivered the first fully modernized C-5M Super Galaxy to the U.S. Air Force at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins AFB, Ga.

The aircraft is the first of three developmental test C-5M aircraft to be delivered, with the other two to be delivered to Dover AFB, Del., in February 2009. All three aircraft successfully completed developmental testing in August 2008. Current Air Force plans call for Lockheed Martin to deliver 52 modernized C-5Ms.

"The C-5 fleet is now beginning to realize its full operational potential as we begin fielding both Avionics Modernization Program and Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program enhanced C-5s for the Air Force," said Lorraine Martin, vice president of the C-5 Program at Lockheed Martin. "The combined U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin team can take great pride in its success, which is keeping this national strategic airlift asset viable for decades to come."

The C-5M Super Galaxy is the product of a two-phase modernization effort. The Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) provides a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and a digital backbone to support the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) modifications. Forty-six C-5 aircraft have completed the AMP modifications. The aircraft already returned to the fleet have logged more than 45,000 hours with the new systems, including many hours flown in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

RERP is the second phase of the modernization effort, which adds new GE CF6-80C2 commercial engines (military designation F108-GE-100) and 70 other enhancements or replacements of major components and subsystems. The additional 10,000 lbs of thrust per propulsion system creates 40,000 lbs of additional thrust across the platform, significantly improving operational performance. This comprehensive modernization program improves the fleet mission-capable rate (aircraft availability) and the overall reliability and maintainability of the aircraft while reducing total ownership costs. C-5 modernization is expected to pay for itself with operational savings.

The C-5 has been the backbone of strategic airlift in every engagement since it entered service. It is the only aircraft capable of carrying 100 percent of certified air-transportable cargo, with a dedicated passenger compartment enabling commanders to have troops and their equipment arrive in an area of operation simultaneously. The C-5 can carry twice the cargo of other strategic airlift systems. With more than 70 percent of its structural service life remaining, Lockheed Martin is committed to sustaining the C-5 fleet throughout its lifecycle. The C-5M Super Galaxy will continue to be a force enabler through 2040.

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Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor Reaches Milestone in Maturity

PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) F-22 Raptor surpassed more than 50,000 total flight hours in August while establishing new standards in capability and maturity.

"The F-22 continues to demonstrate the field performance vital to an operational weapon system," said Larry Lawson, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-22 general manager. "The fleet reliability measures are ahead of plan and the force-on-force exercises have shown Raptors provide the capability to dominate airspace today and in the future."

Pilots and crews at six U.S. bases achieved this maturity level. Operational, frontline Raptors are assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, Va.; the 49th Fighter Wing at Holloman AFB, N.M.; and the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. These units maintain constant readiness supporting Air Combat and Pacific Air Force Commands.

The Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB, Calif., tests new F-22 capabilities, most recently releasing a small diameter bomb at supersonic speed for the first time. Nellis AFB, Nev., hosts two F-22 missions, operational testing and tactics development, along with Fighter Weapons School training -- the fighter pilot's "PHD" course. Pilot and crew chief training is at Tyndall AFB, Fla., with the first basic course students currently undergoing F-22 certification. Raptors will also be based at Hickam AFB, Hawaii.

The warfighter has put the Raptor to the test since reaching initial operational capability in 2005 and full operational capability in 2007. F-22s have flown in multiple Red Flag events, Northern Edge exercises, deployed to Kadena Air Base Japan, Andersen Air Force Base (AFB), Guam, and flown in the Royal International Air Tattoo and the Farnborough Air Show. In all exercises and demonstrations the Raptor's world-class capability has been clearly established.

The Raptor's stealth, integrated avionics, maneuverability and supercruise speed (1.5 times the speed of sound without afterburner) give the F-22 "first-look, first-shot, first-kill" capability.

Lockheed Martin's F-22 and F-35 aircraft deliver game changing 5th Generation capabilities designed to defeat current and future threats. Representing a quantum leap in air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities that provide an order of magnitude increase in operational effectiveness over legacy fighters, the F-22 and F-35 will dominate any foreseeable threat environment and ensure joint and combined operational flexibility for years to come.

The F-22 Raptor is built by Lockheed Martin teamed with Boeing and Pratt & Whitney. Parts and subsystems are provided by approximately 1,000 suppliers in 44 U.S. states. Lockheed Martin has delivered 127 Raptors to the U.S. Air Force.

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. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of $41.9 billion.

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Chapman Selected as Georgia AFROTC Cadet of the Year

The Georgia Air Force Association recently selected Valdosta State University Air Force ROTC cadet Ryan Chapman as the Cadet of the Year for 2008.

Chapman, who was also chosen as VSU's Outstanding AS300 Cadet for the 2007-08 academic year, was nominated by the active duty cadre members at VSU's Detachment 172 based on his GPA, cadet ranking and his accomplishments during the year in AFROTC, VSU and community involvement.

Ranked number one in his AFROTC graduating class, Chapman is a senior studying physics and holds a 3.10 GPA. He has claimed many scholarships and awards, including the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Scholarship, Cadet of the Semester several times, the Rising Eagle Award and Honor Flight Ribbons at field training, and Most Inspirational POC cadet, a peer-determined award given only to juniors and seniors.

He is also very involved with the university, volunteering for free tutoring, helping freshmen during move-in day and serving as a visitation day tour guide. A leader in community service, he has organized blood drives and participated in valuable causes like Valentines for Vets, neighborhood cleanups, the food bank, the Humane Society and Christmas in the Desert, a local initiative that collected money and necessities for soldiers serving overseas during the holidays.

In addition to his academic prowess and commitment to serving others, Chapman is also a respected and recognized leader in the ROTC program, and will serve over the detachment as the cadet wing commander this fall. Lt. Col. Alan Elledge, detachment commander, describes Chapman in his official nomination as the "epitome of a leader; strong convictions, high moral character" as well as a poster child for the Air Force and a true role model who is always willing to go the extra mile.

“We chose Cadet Chapman because he has an outstanding record of success both in the academic classroom and in our officer training program," Lt. Col. Elledge said. "His intellectual strength is complemented by his servant leader’s heart as demonstrated through several local community service projects and the contributions he has made through multiple VSU campus programs.”

Chapman will receive a plaque to commemorate his honor, which will improve his chances of qualifying for special Air Force programs. This is positive for the hard-working student, who plans to pursue admission into the Air Force Institute of Technology to earn a masters degree. He will also soon be featured as a Visionary on the VSU Web site.

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