Lockheed Martin Showcases F-35 Cockpit Demonstrator During Visit at Futuramic Tool and Engineering

Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] today showcased its F-35 Lightning II mobile cockpit demonstrator to employees; federal, state and local elected officials; Detroit-area suppliers and the news media at Futuramic Tool and Engineering Company, a local supplier for the F-35 program.

"All of us here at Futuramic Tool and Engineering Company are very proud of the work we do on the F-35 program,” said Mark Jurcak, President of Futuramic Tool and Engineering. "We appreciate this opportunity to experience first-hand why this fighter is so important to our nation’s future. Programs like the F-35 are not only vital to our country’s national defense, but are helping to bring high-tech, family sustaining jobs to companies all across Michigan. Our company is living proof of this fact.”

During the event, executives and employees from Futuramic and other F-35 supplier companies, elected officials and community leaders received an update on the status of the program and had the opportunity to "fly” the F-35 cockpit demonstrator. Through this experience, they were able to see firsthand how advanced stealth, fighter agility and integrated operations make the F-35 the most capable multi-role fighter in the world. The cockpit is visually and audibly interactive and provides a realistic look at the F-35’s performance, air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, sophisticated sensor fusion and advanced computational capabilities.

"The F-35 program will provide the men and women of our Armed Forces with the tools they need to maintain America’s air dominance, and Michigan plays a very special role in that effort,” said Stephen Callaghan, Director, F-35 Washington Operations, Lockheed Martin. "Even at today’s early production levels, the F-35 program generates more than 2,500 jobs and $197 million annually in the state of Michigan. We’re proud to share the experience of flying this 5^th Generation fighter with the men and women who are critical to its development and manufacturing.”

U.S. Congressional Reps. Sander Levin (D-12^th district), Gary Peters (D-9^th district), and Hansen Clarke (D-13^th district) also participated in the event.

"The work that Michigan companies are doing in support of the Joint Strike Fighter program underscores the importance of the growing defense corridor in Macomb County,” said Representative Sander Levin. "These are exactly the kind of jobs we want to attract to our region as we diversify our economy and grow the defense footprint in this area.”

"When I served in the Navy Reserve, I learned firsthand how important air superiority is to our national security,” said Representative Gary Peters. "The F-35 will ensure that America retains our strategic edge around the globe for years to come, and there’s no better place to help build it than here in Southeast Michigan, the Arsenal of Democracy.”

"I am proud of my fellow Michiganders' work to keep America safe and secure, work that keeps our nation on the cutting edge of technology and manufacturing,” said Representative Hansen Clarke. "Our state's defense industrial base is critical to our country's economic and national security. The F-35 is a win-win: creating jobs, improving security, and contributing to U.S. manufacturing strength."

The F-35 program supports a broad industrial base of more than 1,300 suppliers in 47 states and Puerto Rico, contributing to more than 127,000 direct and indirect US jobs and over $12.6 billion in annual economic impact. For Michigan, that translates to more than 2,500 jobs and $197 million in local revenue. These employment figures and economic impact numbers are anticipated to increase as the program reaches full-rate production.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 132,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacturing, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation’s 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

For additional information, visit our websites:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com
http://multivu.prnewswire.com/player/42215-lockheed-martin-f-35/
www.f35.com