PALMDALE, Calif., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lockheed Martin has completed proof pressure testing of the Revolutionary Approach To Time-critical Long Range Strike (RATTLRS) vehicle. This testing validates the vehicle's structural integrity and is a crucial step in the development of the flight demonstration vehicle. RATTLRS is a supersonic, science and technology missile flight demonstrator sponsored by the Office of Naval Research.
"This testing is a significant milestone as we enter into final integration and system checkouts prior to flight demonstrations planned for early 2008," said Bruce Schielke, Lockheed Martin manufacturing director. The RATTLRS vehicle will flight-demonstrate an integrated turbine engine and airframe propulsion system capable of flight at speeds above Mach 3 (more than 2,000 mph).
The proof testing is the culmination of an extensive fabrication effort by Klune Industries Inc., a Los Angeles based aerospace parts manufacturer. "Partnering with Klune combined the Skunk Works(R) design innovation with Klune's expertise in exotic metal fabrication processes," said Pete Buck, Lockheed Martin design manager. "Klune's knowledge in working with complex materials, tolerances and part production made it an important supplier and key to building the fuselage for the RATTLRS vehicle."
Lockheed Martin is the industry leader in high-speed aerospace systems, providing expertise, technology and operational systems to the warfighter. The RATTLRS program is a key component in Lockheed Martin's goal to develop high speed weapon systems for joint U.S. customers.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2006 sales of $39.6 billion.
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