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LOCKHEED MARTIN TO PERFORM ENGINE CONTROL DEVELOPMENT FOR KTX-2 SUPERSONIC AIRCRAFT

JOHNSON CITY, NY, December 9th, 1999 -- GE Aircraft Engines has selected Lockheed Martin Control Systems to develop a full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) for GE engines aboard the new KTX-2 supersonic trainer and light combat aircraft. The KTX-2, being developed jointly by Samsung Aerospace and Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems, will be the first single-engine aircraft powered by a GE engine to use an electronic-only control. The electronic control system will provide a significant cost and weight advantage over aircraft that employ an electronic control and a mechanical backup. Use of the KTX-2 FADEC also will significantly improve engine operability.

"We are pleased to have been chosen to develop the KTX-2 FADEC," said James Scanlon, Control Systems president. "This opportunity will draw on our 60 million FADEC flight hours on commercial and military aircraft to address the unique needs of single-engine aircraft operation."

Control Systems is basing the design for the dual-channel FADEC on its control for GE's F414 engine, which is in operational evaluation on the Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. "Based on GE's experience with the F414 engine control, Lockheed Martin was the right choice to develop the FADEC for the F404," said Peter Wilkens, KTX-2 engine program manager for GE Aircraft Engines.

Under the development contract, Control Systems will ship 13 FADECs through 2000. Samsung Aerospace and Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems are jointly developing the KTX-2, the next-generation supersonic advanced trainer and light combat aircraft. Full-scale development began in 1997, and first flight is scheduled for 2002. The Korean Air Force plans to order 94 of the new aircraft.

Lockheed Martin Control Systems, based in Johnson City, N.Y., is a world leader in designing and manufacturing electronics systems for global defense, civil, space, and commercial markets. Products include flight controls, engine controls, mission computers, launch vehicle controls, and controls for the locomotive industry and the emerging hybrid electric vehicle market. Control Systems is an operating unit of Lockheed Martin Corp., a global enterprise principally engaged in research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced-technology systems, products and services.

Larry Stone
607-770-3944
lawrence.w.stone@lmco.com