LUCY CANNING
Lockheed Martin and General Electric have announced a new joint venture to develop a military aircraft engine maintenance centre of excellence at Lockheed Martin Aircraft and Logistics Centers' (LMALC) existing Kelly Aviation Centre in Antonio, Texas.
Lockheed Martin will have majority control of the venture which will be called Kelly Aviation Centre LP. The new company will take over Lockheed Martin's overhaul and maintenance work for the TF39 and T56 engines at the Kelly facility.
The TF39 powers the US Air Force's Lockheed Martin C-5 Galaxy fleet. The T56 powers the Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion and C-130 Hercules, Grumman E-2C Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound and to provide auxiliary power for Navy frigates.
Inspection
In January 2003, GE Aircraft Engines will bring to the Kelly centre the assembly, inspection and test workload for 88 F110-GE-132 engines for the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 60 aircraft being sold to the United Arab Emirates.
LMALC president David Posek says: "We are excited to join forces with a major original equipment manufacturer in the aircraft engine market.
"The strength of this partnership is the technical expertise that GE Aircraft Engines can provide, combined with Lockheed Martin's modern, dedicated military aircraft engine facility."
Source: Flight Daily News
