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Lockheed Martin's Small Diameter Bomb Demonstrates Second Successful Flight Test

ORLANDO, FL, August 12th, 2003 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] logged another Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) flight test success over Eglin Air Force Base, FL. The SDB, released from an F-15E aircraft, demonstrated the weapon system's navigation and control, fuze function, terminal guidance, and carriage system. This follows a similar SDB release test in July. Flying at Mach 0.66, the SDB separated from the F-15E at an altitude of 19,000 ft., demonstrating the weapon's aircraft-to-weapon system interface, safe separation, correct fin and wing deployment, flight termination and telemetry systems, fuze function, PNAV corrections and terminal guidance.

The SDB is a precision-guided, miniature 250-pound class munition that will enable U.S. Air Force fighters and bombers to attack more targets with fewer planes.

This week's test again utilized Lockheed Martin's precision navigation technique, PNAV, a system designed to revolutionize next-generation strike weapons, beginning with the U.S. Air Force's new SDB. SDB incorporates a low-cost, seekerless configuration that reduces risk in meeting accuracy requirements.

According to SDB program director, Jim Pappafotis, PNAV coupled with technological expertise leveraged from the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser (WCMD) programs, demonstrates Lockheed Martin's whole system thinking when faced with complex problems that require integrated solutions.

"Test data from this flight shows that weapon performance was consistent with our simulations," said Pappafotis. The incorporation of PNAV combined with technologies from our other strike weapons programs exemplifies Lockheed Martin's passion for invention."

This successful test nears conclusion of the Component Advanced Development phase (CAD), a two-year competitive program to develop the design for the weapon and carriage system.

The U.S. Air Force is expected to select in September 2003 the contractor that will advance into the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of the program.

Nettie Johnson, (407) 356-2211; e-mail; nettie.r.johnson@lmco.com