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Lockheed Martin

American aerospace and defense corporation

Lockheed Martin, formed in 1995, is a major player in aerospace, military support, security, and technologies. With over 115,000 employees globally, it operates in Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space segments. The company is a key contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and NASA, and has received prestigious awards for its innovative contributions to technology and aviation.

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Timeline

First Flight of Lockheed Model G

Allan and Malcolm launched the sea plane from a boat ramp into San Francisco Bay, marking Lockheed's first flight of the Model G. The successful flight over the bay and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate and Alcatraz Island was a momentous achievement for the company.

Charles Lindbergh's Nonstop Solo Flight

In 1927, Charles Lindbergh made history by completing the first nonstop solo flight from New York to Paris in the custom-built Spirit of St. Louis, becoming a global celebrity and igniting a worldwide fascination with flying.

Lockheed Model 10 Electra

Lockheed spent $139,400 to develop the Model 10 Electra, a small twin-engined transport. Amelia Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, flew it in their failed attempt to circumnavigate the world in 1937.

Hudson Bomber Production

The Lockheed Model 14 formed the basis for the Hudson bomber, which was supplied to both the British Royal Air Force and the United States military before and during World War II. Its primary role was submarine hunting.

Birth of Skunk Works®

The approval for Lockheed to develop the United States' first jet fighter in June 1943 marked the birth of what would later become the Skunk Works®, with Clarence "Kelly" Johnson as its founder.

Carl Wiley Tackles Airborne Radar at Lockheed Martin

In 1950, Carl Wiley joined Lockheed Martin legacy company Goodyear Aircraft Company and focused on tackling airborne radar as his latest challenge.

Maiden Flight of Lockheed U-2

The Lockheed U-2 had its maiden flight in 1954, marking an important milestone for Lockheed's aircraft development.

Lockheed's Contract for Polaris Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM)

Lockheed received a contract for the development of the Polaris Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM), which would be followed by the Poseidon and Trident nuclear missiles.

Titan Rockets Launch

The Martin Company's launch vehicle, Titan rockets, began a five-decade legacy by supporting various programs including the nation's ICBM program, Project Gemini, Mars Viking landers, Voyager deep space probes, and communication and reconnaissance satellites.

Merger of Martin Company and American-Marietta Company

In 1961, Martin Company merged with American-Marietta Company to form Martin Marietta Corporation, which became a major player in the aerospace industry. This merger led to significant developments in space technology and exploration.

First flight of SR-71 Blackbird

The SR-71 Blackbird, developed by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, made its first flight in December 1964. It was the fastest manned aircraft, capable of flying at Mach 3.2 at 100,000 ft.

Leadership in Space Projects

Martin Marietta became known for its space projects and was selected to lead the construction of the Viking capsules which landed on Mars in 1976.

Ben Rich Stands Nervously Outside Clarence 'Kelly' Johnson's Office

In the summer of 1972, Ben Rich, a prominent engineer in Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works® division, anxiously awaited outside the office of his boss, the renowned Clarence “Kelly” Johnson.

Contract to Build NASA's External Fuel Tank

Martin Marietta was awarded a contract to build the external fuel tank for NASA's space shuttles, showcasing its significant role in space exploration.

Lockheed Bribery Scandals

Lockheed was involved in bribery scandals in 1976, which had significant implications for the company and its reputation.

First flight of F-117 Nighthawk

The F-117 Nighthawk, developed by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, was the first stealth aircraft and made its first flight in 1977.

Hostile Takeover Bid from Bendix Corporation

Martin Marietta faced a significant challenge to its existence when it received a hostile takeover bid from the Bendix Corporation, led by Bill Agee.

Launch of Hubble Space Telescope

Lockheed Corporation was responsible for the construction and systems integration of the Hubble Space Telescope, which was carried by space shuttle into orbit in 1990.

Acquisition of General Electric Co.'s Aerospace Operations

In 1992, Martin Marietta executed a $3 billion acquisition of General Electric Co.'s aerospace operations, which added about $6 billion in annual sales and enhanced capabilities in digital processing, artificial intelligence, and electronics.

Acquisition of General Electric's Aerospace Business

In 1993, Martin Marietta acquired General Electric's aerospace business, expanding its capabilities and influence in the aerospace industry. This strategic move further solidified Martin Marietta's position as a key player in space-related assets.

Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta Merger Announcement

Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta announced their planned $10 billion merger on August 30, 1994. The headquarters for the combined companies would be at Martin Marietta headquarters in North Bethesda, Maryland.

Finalization of Lockheed Martin Merger

The merger between Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta was finalized on March 15, 1995, after the approval from the two companies' shareholders.

Abandonment of Lockheed Martin's merger with Northrop Grumman

Lockheed Martin abandoned plans for an $8.3 billion merger with Northrop Grumman due to government concerns over the potential strength of the new group. The merger would have resulted in Lockheed/Northrop having control of 25% of the Department of Defense's procurement budget.

Mars Climate Orbiter software error

Lockheed Martin incorrectly provided NASA with software using measurements in US Customary force units when metric units were expected, resulting in the loss of the Orbiter at a cost of $125 million. The development of the spacecraft cost $193 million.

Initial Fielding of Arrowhead Kit

The Arrowhead kit, which replaced the legacy TADS/PNVS hardware, was initially deployed in June 2005. It has since been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of the Apache Helicopter’s targeting and navigation system.

F-35 Fighter Flight Test

On March 18, 2010, U.S. military officials conducted a crucial flight test for the F-35 fighter at Naval Air Station in Patuxent River, Maryland, to assess its capabilities. The test was a pivotal moment in the history of Lockheed Martin's fifth-generation fighter.

Lockheed Martin Settlement with U.S. Department of Justice

In 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Lockheed Martin had agreed to settle allegations of overpricing perishable tools used on contracts between 1998 and 2005. The subsidiary Tools & Metals Inc was found to have inflated costs, which were then passed on to the U.S. government under its contracts.

Lockheed Martin Securities Fraud Lawsuit Settlement

On February 20, 2013, Lockheed Martin Corp agreed to pay a $19.5 million lawsuit to conclude a securities fraud class-action legal battle. The lawsuit accused the company of deceiving shareholders regarding expectations for the company's information technology division.

Lockheed Martin's Pentagon Contract for Space Fence

On June 2, 2014, Lockheed Martin received a Pentagon contract to build a space fence aimed at tracking debris and preventing damage to satellites and spacecraft.

Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems False Claims Act Lawsuit Settlement

In December 2014, Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems settled a False Claims Act lawsuit by paying $27.5 million. The lawsuit alleged that the company had knowingly overbilled taxpayers for work performed by staff who did not hold the essential qualifications for the contract.

Lockheed Martin's Acquisition of Sikorsky Aircraft

On July 20, 2015, Lockheed Martin announced plans to purchase Sikorsky Aircraft from United Technologies Corporation at a cost of $7.1 billion, which was later criticized by the Pentagon for reducing competition.

Lockheed Martin secures $480 million contract for hypersonic weapon prototype

Lockheed Martin announced securing a $480 million contract from the United States Air Force to develop a hypersonic weapon prototype. This is the second contract for hypersonic weapons that the company has secured.

Lockheed Martin awarded Commercial Lunar Payload Services contract by NASA

Lockheed Martin was awarded a Commercial Lunar Payload Services contract by NASA, making it eligible to bid on delivering science and technology payloads to the Moon for NASA, worth $2.6 billion. The company plans to propose a lander called McCandless Lunar Lander.

Successful launch of Arabsat-6A satellite

An Arabsat-6A satellite was successfully launched from (LC-39A). This satellite is one of the most advanced commercial communications satellites ever built by Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin signs $4.6-billion contract with NASA for Orion capsules

Lockheed Martin and NASA signed a $4.6-billion contract to build six or more Orion capsules for NASA's Artemis program to send astronauts to the Moon.

Lockheed Martin Carbon Footprint Report

Lockheed Martin Corporation reported Total CO₂e emissions (Direct + Indirect) for the twelve months ending 31 December 2020 at 919 Kt, which reflected a decrease of 49 /-5.1% year-over-year.

James D. Taiclet announced as CEO of Lockheed Martin

On March 16, 2020, Lockheed Martin announced that James D. Taiclet would replace Marillyn Hewson as CEO, effective June 15. In January of 2021, Taiclet became chairman of the company as well.

The Founding of Lockheed Martin

The founding of Lockheed Martin is a significant event in the history of aerospace and defense technology. It marks the establishment of a renowned company that has been at the forefront of innovative developments in aviation, missile defense, and other advanced technologies.

Lockheed Martin announced acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings

On December 20, 2020, it was announced that Lockheed Martin would acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings for $4.4 billion. The acquisition was expected to close in the first quarter of 2022.

Lockheed Martin abandoned Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings acquisition

On February 13, 2022, Lockheed abandoned the deal to acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings following regulatory disapproval.

Poland's president meets Lockheed Martin CEO for military investment

Poland's president has held a meeting with the CEO of Lockheed Martin to discuss further investment in military weapons. This meeting signifies Poland's interest in strengthening its military capabilities through collaboration with Lockheed Martin.

End of the Timeline
Lockheed Martin

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