Jane Edwards
Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson has said the company increased its investments in research and development efforts to $839 million in 2015 in an effort to meet its international clients’ current and future defense and national security requirements.
She noted in her speech at Lockheed’s 2016 Media Day in Virginia Tuesday that such investments went to the development of various technology platforms that seek to help clients counter global challenges.
Hewson, who also serves as president and chairman of the board of directors at Lockheed, cited the company’s work on systems built for hypersonic speed as well as on propulsion technologies.
Lockheed has demonstrated new capabilities in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Hypersonic Test Vehicle programs – HTV-3X and HTV-2, she said.
Hewson, an inductee into Executive Mosaic’s Wash100 for 2016, also mentioned the company’s involvement in the development of the Hypersonic Air-Breathing Weapon Concept and Tactical Boost Glide system.
She said the company carried out development work in the field of weapons laser systems through its Accelerated Laser Demonstration Initiative fiber laser and a 60-kilowatt laser system that Lockheed plans to integrate with a land-based vehicle of the U.S. Army.
“There is a growing interest from the military in the unmanned ground vehicle market, for reconnaissance missions, search and rescue, soldier mobility, and cargo transport in war zones,” Hewson added.
“There is also opportunity to expand into commercial markets, such as railroads, mining, site transportation, and public services.”
