22nd Congress of International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences, Harrogate, UK, 28 August - 1st September, 2000
Paper ICAS 2000-5.10.1

GLOBAL INTEGRATION AND MANAGEMENT OF 21ST CENTURY FIGHTERS

C. K. Wise , C. M. Rodenberger
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, USA

Keywords: 21st century fighters, integration and management

The competitive 21st century military business environment operates within the confines of decreased defense funding with increased customer expectations in reducing both the cycle times of product development and the total cost of ownership. Operating in these two confines will require a paradigm shift in the traditional ways of doing business. Revolutionary changes in management and military procurement will enable an effective integration of advanced technologies, lean manufacturing, acquisition reform, and motivated workforce. Managing the future global enterprise includes not only the prime contractor and the supply chain but also the international partners, teammates, alliances, the international and domestic customers, and innovative business arrangements. Before a company can effectively implement revolutionary changes, it must first appreciate the ideas that worked in the past and will continue working in the future. Therefore, enhancing competitiveness includes the ability not only to benefit from legacy successes but also to implement continuous improvements. Much of what is required for success in the future is being implemented now at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company to enhance existing F-16 and F-22 programs and to ensure readiness for future aircraft programs. This paper will present unique challenges of doing business in the defense aerospace industry of the future and how Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is poised to meet the country’s defense needs within cost and schedule requirements.

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