SAN DIEGO, July 29, 2013 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) today showcased its F-35 Lightning II mobile cockpit demonstrator to state and local elected officials and employees at a San Diego facility of Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), a principal industry partner developing the F-35 with Lockheed Martin.

In San Diego, Northrop Grumman develops and produces the AN/ASQ-242 integrated Communications, Navigation and Identification (CNI) system that provides F-35 pilots with more than 27 avionics functions. Northrop Grumman has just delivered its 100th CNI system to Lockheed Martin for integration into the F-35.

There are approximately 24,760 direct and indirect jobs tied to the F-35 program in California and about 125,000 nationally, generating an estimated $16.8 billion in total economic impact.

U.S. Representative Scott Peters (CA-52), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, spoke at the event. "San Diego has an unparalleled workforce dedicated to defense manufacturing programs. These programs are critical for our national security and our regional economy," said Rep. Peters, who represents the San Diego facility.

"We're delighted to be able to demonstrate the capabilities of the F-35 Lightning II, the world's most advanced military aircraft, here in California," said Eric Van Camp, Director of F-35 Business Development, Lockheed Martin. "The employees at Northrop Grumman are producing critical components for the F-35s flying today."

"Northrop Grumman is pleased to host the F-35 cockpit demonstrator in San Diego," said Bob Gough, Director, CNI Programs and Technology, Northrop Grumman Information Systems. "It's an excellent opportunity to experience the advanced connectivity and enhanced situational awareness our CNI system provides to F-35 pilots."

During today's event, attendees received an update on the status of the program as well as the opportunity to "fly" the F-35 cockpit demonstrator to experience stealth capability, fighter agility and integrated information through the eyes of a pilot. The cockpit is visually and audibly interactive and provides a realistic look at the F-35's performance, air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, sophisticated sensor fusion and advanced computational capabilities.

The F-35 program has more than 1,400 suppliers in 46 states and Puerto Rico, building and sustaining a highly skilled workforce critical to national security and economic prosperity. Additionally, thousands more are employed in the F-35 program's partner countries, which include the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark and Norway.

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5 th Generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully-fused sensor information and network-enabled operations.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion .

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide.

For additional information, visit these websites: http://www.lockheedmartin.com , www.f35.com ; www.northropgrumman.com/Capabilities/F35Lightning/ 

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