Companies/United States • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
This timeline traces Lockheed Martin from its predecessor companies' founding in the early 20th century through its 1995 merger and evolution into a global aerospace and defense giant, highlighting key aircraft programs, technological innovations, executive decisions, and financial milestones.
Chronological Storyline (40 Milestones)
1909 CE
Glenn L. Martin Company Founded
Glenn L. Martin incorporates the Glenn L. Martin Company in Los Angeles, later moving to Maryland. It becomes a major aircraft manufacturer, eventually merging to form Martin Marietta. #aviation #history
Glenn L. Martin Company Founded By Glenn L. Martin Company - Glenn L. Martin Company Merch, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=153765546
1912 CE
Allan and Malcolm Loughead Found Alco Hydro-Aeroplane Company
The Loughead brothers establish the Alco Hydro-Aeroplane Company in San Francisco, producing their first seaplane. The venture eventually becomes Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. #aviation #history
Allan and Malcolm Loughead Found Alco Hydro-Aeroplane Company By Photographed and prepared for Wikipedia by Willy Logan. - From a photograph of the tail of a replica of w:Wiley Post's Winnie Mae at the w:Oklahoma History Center, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=179172733
1916 CE
Lockheed Model G Seaplane Achieves Speed Record
The Loughead brothers build the Model G, a seaplane that sets a speed record, gaining attention but limited sales. #aviation
1926 CE
Lockheed Aircraft Company Founded
After a hiatus, Allan Loughead and partners incorporate Lockheed Aircraft Company in Hollywood, California, adopting the distinctive Lockheed star logo. #business #aviation
May 20, 1927 CE
Lockheed Vega First Flight
The sleek Lockheed Vega monoplane makes its first flight; it becomes renowned for record flights by Amelia Earhart and Wiley Post. #aviation #history
Lockheed Vega First Flight By Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, Detroit Aircraft Corporation - https://archive.org/details/aerodigest1617unse/page/n548, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=107016588
1929 CE
Lockheed Merges into Detroit Aircraft Corporation
Lockheed becomes a subsidiary of the Detroit Aircraft Corporation, but the Great Depression leads to bankruptcy and reorganization. #business #history
Lockheed Merges into Detroit Aircraft Corporation By Detroit Aircraft Corporation - https://archive.org/details/aerodigest1519unse/page/n212, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=107016264
1932 CE
Robert E. Gross Leads Lockheed Reorganization
A group led by Robert E. Gross acquires Lockheed's assets and reorganizes as Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, moving to Burbank, California. #leadership #business
1933 CE
Lockheed Model 10 Electra First Flight
The twin-engine all-metal Electra airliner enters service, used by airlines and later modified for exploration (e.g., Amelia Earhart's final flight). #aviation
1937 CE
Lockheed P-38 Lightning First Flight
The distinctive twin-boom P-38 Lightning fighter first flies; it becomes a key Army Air Forces fighter in World War II. #military #aviation
Lockheed P-38 Lightning First Flight By CindyN - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61726689
1943 CE
Skunk Works Founded
Kelly Johnson establishes Lockheed's Skunk Works division in Burbank to rapidly develop the XP-80 jet fighter, pioneering secret rapid prototyping. #innovation #aviation
Skunk Works Founded By Alan Radecki - own work, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1906784
Jan 8, 1944 CE
XP-80 Shooting Star First Flight
Lockheed's first jet fighter, the P-80 Shooting Star, flies just 143 days after project start, setting a precedent for Skunk Works speed. #military #aviation
XP-80 Shooting Star First Flight By USAF - commons.wikimedia, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79039099
1951 CE
Lockheed C-130 Hercules First Flight
The four-engine turboprop tactical airlifter first flies; it becomes one of the longest-serving military aircraft in history. #aviation #military
Lockheed C-130 Hercules First Flight By U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Howard Blair - http://www.af.mil, https://www.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2000031028/mediaid/50787/ https://media.defense.gov/2003/Feb/10/2000031028/-1/-1/0/990101-F-5502B-002.JPG, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30865
Mar 4, 1954 CE
Lockheed F-104 Starfighter First Flight
The F-104, a supersonic interceptor designed by Kelly Johnson, first flies, setting speed and altitude records. #military #aviation
Lockheed F-104 Starfighter First Flight By Alan Wilson - Lockheed F-104G Starfighter 'D-8114' Uploaded by High Contrast, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27216554
1956 CE
Lockheed U-2 First Flight
The high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft first flies in secret, enabling Cold War overflights of the Soviet Union. #espionage #aviation
Lockheed U-2 First Flight By United States Department of the Air Force - Defense Visual Information Center (1998). A DoD CD-Rom Image Collection: Best of the US Air Force. [1][2], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=55114
1961 CE
Martin Marietta Merges with American-Marietta
The Glenn L. Martin Company merges with American-Marietta to form Martin Marietta Corporation, diversifying into chemicals and construction. #business #merger
1962 CE
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird First Flight
The Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft first flies, cruising at over 85,000 feet, a marvel of engineering. #aviation #technology
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird First Flight By USAF / Judson Brohmer - Armstrong Photo Gallery: Home page – Source – Image, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30816
1969 CE
Lockheed L-1011 TriStar Announced
Lockheed announces the wide-body L-1011 TriStar airliner, which enters service in 1972 but faces financial struggles due to engine delays and competition. #aviation #business
Lockheed L-1011 TriStar Announced By Árpád Gordos - Gallery page http://www.airliners.net/photo/Hewa-Bora-Airways/Lockheed-L-1011-385-1-15-TriStar/0302242/L Photo http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/2/4/2/0302242.jpg, GFDL 1.2, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27392902
1971 CE
Lockheed Faces Financial Crisis, Government Loan Guarantee
Due to TriStar cost overruns and the C-5A contract dispute, Lockheed nears bankruptcy and receives a US government loan guarantee to avoid collapse. #finance #business
1976 CE
Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk First Flight
The first stealth combat aircraft, developed in secret by Skunk Works, first flies, revolutionizing air warfare. #military #technology
Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk First Flight By Staff Sgt. Aaron Allmon II - http://www.defenselink.mil/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3770855
1982 CE
Martin Marietta Acquires Bendix Corporation Aerospace Interests
Martin Marietta purchases the aerospace operations of Bendix Corporation, strengthening its space and defense portfolio. #business #merger
Lockheed ceases production of the L-1011 and exits the commercial airliner business to focus on defense and space. #business #aviation
1985 CE
Martin Marietta Acquires SRI International's Defense Division
Martin Marietta expands its technology capabilities by acquiring the defense research arm of SRI International. #business #technology
1992 CE
Martin Marietta Begins Acquisition Spree: General Electric Aerospace
Martin Marietta acquires GE Aerospace, dramatically expanding its defense electronics and space business. #business #merger
1993 CE
Lockheed Acquires General Dynamics' Fort Worth Division
Lockheed purchases the F-16 manufacturing facility from General Dynamics, becoming a key supplier of the international fighter. #business #aviation
Mar 15, 1995 CE
Lockheed Martin Corporation Formed via Merger
Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta merge to form Lockheed Martin, creating the world's largest defense contractor. #business #merger
1996 CE
Lockheed Martin Acquires Loral Corporation's Defense Business
The company purchases Loral's defense electronics and systems integration units for $9.1 billion, further consolidating industry. #business #merger
1997 CE
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor First Flight
The fifth-generation air dominance fighter first flies; it becomes the world's most advanced fighter, though costly. #military #aviation
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor First Flight By F-22_Raptor.JPG: Master Sgt. Andy Dunaway - F-22_Raptor.JPG, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6955514
2000 CE
Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter (X-35) Wins JSF Competition
The X-35 concept demonstrator wins the Joint Strike Fighter competition, leading to the F-35 Lightning II program. #military #aviation
Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter (X-35) Wins JSF Competition By USAF - http://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/080125-F-1234J-034.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=609214
Oct 26, 2001 CE
Lockheed Martin Acquires Sandia National Laboratories Contract
Lockheed Martin takes over management of Sandia National Laboratories from Martin Marietta, continuing its role in nuclear weapons science. #business #technology
Lockheed Martin Acquires Sandia National Laboratories Contract By U.S. Air Force photo by R.J. Oriez - http://www.warren.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/2013%5C12%5C110211-F-JW079-002.jpg at http://www.warren.af.mil/photos/mediagallery.asp?galleryID=9841, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30277195
Dec 15, 2006 CE
F-35 Lightning II First Flight
The F-35A conventional takeoff variant first flies; the program becomes the most expensive defense program in history, with numerous delays and cost overruns. #military #aviation
F-35 Lightning II First Flight By U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen - http://www.dvidshub.net/image/935698/aerial-refueling-f-35-lightning-ii-joint-strike-fighters-eglin-afb-fla#.UZyEMrVU8QY, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49689165
2012 CE
Lockheed Martin Delivers 100th C-130J Super Hercules
The company delivers the 100th C-130J, continuing the legacy of the Hercules transport. #aviation #defense
Lockheed Martin Delivers 100th C-130J Super Hercules By USAF - This image was released by the United States Air Force with the ID 100803-F-0000F-012 (next). This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing. العربية ∙ বাংলা ∙ Bahasa Indonesia ∙ Bahaso Jambi ∙ Deutsch ∙ Deutsch (Sie-Form) ∙ English ∙ español ∙ euskara ∙ فارسی ∙ français ∙ italiano ∙ 日本語 ∙ 한국어 ∙ македонски ∙ മലയാളം ∙ Plattdüütsch ∙ Nederlands ∙ polski ∙ پښتو ∙ português ∙ русский ∙ slovenščina ∙ svenska ∙ Türkçe ∙ українська ∙ 简体中文 ∙ 繁體中文 ∙ +/−, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12406941
Jul 1, 2015 CE
Lockheed Martin Acquires Sikorsky Aircraft from United Technologies
Lockheed Martin purchases Sikorsky Aircraft for $9 billion, adding the Black Hawk and other helicopter lines to its portfolio. #business #merger
May 1, 2016 CE
Lockheed Martin Opens New F-35 Production Line in Italy
Lockheed Martin’s international expansion includes a final assembly and checkout facility in Cameri, Italy, for European F-35s. #business #global
2018 CE
Lockheed Martin Wins NASA Orion Contract Extension
Lockheed Martin continues as prime contractor for NASA's Orion spacecraft, supporting deep-space exploration. #space #technology )
Lockheed Martin Wins NASA Orion Contract Extension By NASA - https://images.nasa.gov/details/art002e004357, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=187974063
May 6, 2019 CE
Lockheed Martin Delivers 500th C-130 Hercules
The company marks a milestone with the 500th C-130 Hercules delivered since the program began. #aviation #milestone
2020 CE
Lockheed Martin Partners with NASA for Artemis Human Landing System
Lockheed Martin-led team proposes a lunar lander for the Artemis program, competing in the Human Landing System contract. #space #exploration
Lockheed Martin Partners with NASA for Artemis Human Landing System By National Aeronautics and Space Administration - https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Artemis-Logo-Color-Positive-RGB.svg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=80586332
2021 CE
Lockheed Martin Announces Aerojet Rocketdyne Acquisition
Lockheed Martin agrees to acquire rocket engine maker Aerojet Rocketdyne for $4.4 billion, but the deal is blocked by the FTC in 2022. #business #acquisition
Lockheed Martin Announces Aerojet Rocketdyne Acquisition By NASA - grin.hq.nasa.gov at the Wayback Machine (archived 2001-03-09), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1593735
Jan 1, 2022 CE
F-35 Achieves Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for US Marine Corps
The F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing variant reaches IOC with the US Marine Corps, a key milestone for the program. #military #aviation
2023 CE
Lockheed Martin Wins US Air Force Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Contract
Lockheed Martin secures a contract for the NGAD fighter program, aiming to develop a sixth-generation fighter. #military #technology
2024 CE
Lockheed Martin Reports Record Revenues Amid Global Tensions
Lockheed Martin posts record annual revenues of $73 billion, driven by defense spending increases and F-35 deliveries. #finance #business
