Ralph Heath, vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, says he’s “not losing any sleep” over whether the F/A-22 or F-35 will survive the Pentagon’s Quadrennial Defense Review. “There’s a declining defense budget; … that’s a reality,” Heath observes. So, how does a company survive in such an environment? Heath says the trick is to “have a product that’s relevant to the customer’s needs” and “does what it’s supposed to do.” Both the F/A-22 and the F-35 programs are functioning well, on track, and delivering what was promised, Heath insists, adding, “We have our act together.” In his view, the company has provided no excuse for reducing either program on technical or performance grounds.
Details Murky as ARRW Falls Short in Second Test
March 24, 2023
The second all-up flight of the AGM-183A ARRW hypersonic missile apparently fell short of expectations, but the AIr Force isn't saying how, reporting only that the test met "several of the objectives" of the test. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control recently said he company is "ready to go" to…