DALLAS, JULY 9, 2002 - Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. announced today that it has been selected by Lockheed Martin to manufacture the horizontal stabilator for the F-22 Raptor air dominance fighter. The initial $40 million contract includes production and assembly of 85 shipsets through 2007.
Vought will complete the precision assembly of the stabilator in Dallas. The stabilator is an evolutionary hybrid control surface that functions as a combined horizontal stabilizer and elevator. Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) will team with Vought, providing composite parts. Vought is scheduled to deliver the first F-22 stabilator in June 2003.
"This is a great competitive win for Vought," said Tom Risley, Vought's president and chief executive officer. "We are pleased to be on Lockheed Martin's team and excited to work on one of the most advanced aircraft of our time."
The F-22 Raptor is the world's first stealth air-to-air fighter and the first production aircraft with the ability to supercruise - flying at supersonic speeds without the use of afterburners. The Raptor will replace the U.S. Air Force's venerable fleet of F-15 Eagle fighters.
In other military programs, Vought is a major subcontractor on the C-17 Globemaster III transport and the Global Hawk unmanned air vehicle. The company also produces components for the F-14, F/A-18E/F, E-8C, S-3, E-2C, V-22 and EA-6B.
Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. (www.voughtaircraft.com) is the world's largest independent supplier of aerostructures. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company provides wings, fuselage subassemblies, empennages, nacelles, thrust reversers and other components for prime manufacturers of aircraft. Vought has more than 5,000 employees and annual sales exceeding $1 billion. It has operations in Dallas; Hawthorne, Calif.; Stuart, Fla.; Milledgeville, Ga.; and Perry, Ga. | 
