Northrop Grumman Taps Brian E. Chappel to Lead the F-35 Lightning II Program

REDONDO BEACH, Calif., Aug. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Brian E. Chappel has been appointed vice president and program manager for the Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) F-35 Lightning II program. Northrop Grumman is principal partner to Lockheed Martin on the F-35.

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Chappel will be responsible for directing and overseeing cost, schedule, technical matters, quality and customer satisfaction for the production of the aircraft's center fuselage.

Most recently, Chappel was vice president of Business Management and chief financial officer for the company's Advanced Development Programs business unit. Since joining the company from the U.S. Air Force in 1993, Chappel has served in leadership positions for such functions as business development, proposals, contracts, pricing and program business operations. He also has held several leadership positions on the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System program.

"Over 20 years, Brian has proven himself very capable of leading business and program efforts in what is a highly complex and competitive industry," said Pat McMahon, sector vice president and general manager of military aircraft systems. "In today's environment, balancing innovation and affordability is more important than ever, and he will continue Northrop Grumman's outstanding performance on the most technologically advanced military aircraft program in aviation history."

Chappel earned a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a master's degree in business administration from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation