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Hellfire II Lot 33 Delivery Ready After Perfect Day on the Range

ORLANDO, FL, October 27th, 1999 -- The laser-guided AGM-114K Hellfire II missile continued its winning fly-to-buy record in September when four missiles were successfully test-flown at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida in Quality Assurance Lot Verification Tests. These successes cleared the 396 missiles of Lot 33 for U.S. Army delivery.

The missiles were "pre-aged" to end-of-life conditions by extensive vibration, and cold temperature preconditioned to represent a harsh environmental setting. Three missiles were flown in lock-on-after launch and one in lock-on-before-launch. All four scored direct hits on flight range target plates between three and five kilometers downrange. The main and precursor warheads worked perfectly for each missile. This extends the missile's mission success record to 122 of 126 firings in its current configuration.

"Hitting the target is key to everything we do," remarked Tom Goslin, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control's vice president of Anti-Armor Systems. "When our soldiers need accurate firepower, Hellfire must be ready, reliable, and devastating. We are proud to be producing the world's best air-to-ground missiles," added Goslin.

Known as the "Apache's Edge," Hellfire II is a principal armament for AH-64A Apache and AH-64-D Apache Longbow attack helicopters serving U.S. Army and seven allied forces. Hellfire II will also arm the U.S. Marine Corps Super Cobra. The U.S. Navy has deployed Hellfire II on SH-60 and HH-60 helicopters, and ground launched applications have been successfully tested for the international market.

Hellfire II is designed to counter ground and naval threats well into the 21st century. The missile is a product of the Hellfire Systems Limited Liability Company (HSLLC), an 80/20 percent joint venture between Lockheed Martin and The Boeing Company respectively. The joint venture will end later this year with Lockheed Martin continuing as sole supplier.

Boeing Military Aircraft and Missile Systems Group produces a variety of high quality, cost-efficient defense systems for U.S. and international customers. It is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.

Located in Dallas, Tx. and Orlando, Fla., Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control develops, manufactures and supports advanced combat, missile, rocket and space systems. The company is organized in six program/mission areas: Strike Weapons, Air Defense, Anti-Armor, Fire Control and Sensors, Fire Support and Product Development.

Nettie Johnson, 407-356-5351
e-mail nettie.r.johnson@lmco.com

Mary Jo Polidore, 407-356-2207