Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Selects PLM solutions from IBM and Dassault Systèmes for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program

Number one defense contractor experiences new level of performance with CATIA V5 and DELMIA solutions for the F-35 CV Program

Paris, France, December 20, 2005 ─ IBM and Dassault Systèmes (DS) (Nasdaq: DASTY; Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) today announced Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. has implemented their Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions for the United States’ and United Kingdom’s fifth-generation advanced military aircraft, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).  This marks a milestone in the strategic relationship between the three companies. IBM and Dassault Systèmes will offer Lockheed Martin advanced PLM solutions to drive innovation, develop new production techniques, and ultimately transform its aircraft business model by delivering new levels of performance at every phase of the JSF program, the largest defense contract ever awarded to date by the Pentagon.

The F-35 JSF is a fifth-generation multi-role, supersonic, stealth aircraft for the US, the UK and allies worldwide. It is designed to replace the AV-8B Harrier, A-10, F-16, F/A-18 Hornet and the United Kingdom’s Harrier GR7 and Sea Harrier. Chosen as the prime contractor for this strategic project, Lockheed Martin has set aggressive goals and made the decision to migrate as soon as possible from CATIA V4 to CATIA V5 for product development, and DELMIA for manufacturing simulation, both IBM PLM solutions developed by Dassault Systèmes. This will enable its teams to benefit from long-term cost savings and efficiencies at the enterprise level, including in the maintenance phase.

CATIA V5, an IBM PLM solution developed by Dassault Systemes, will bring a number of benefits to the F-35 team including improved design design-cycle efficiencies, enhanced confidence in the design with embedded manufacturing and design knowledge, and long-term supplier and IT compatibility.

Working with key stakeholders, Lockheed Martin has developed a migration plan that includes an implementation schedule, training and IT plans, associated costs, risks and mitigation, to ensure CATIA V5 is in place in February 2006. With these leading solutions, Lockheed Martin teams will be able to collaborate and work more efficiently, both within the company and with its extended network of suppliers and partners. IBM and Dassault Systèmes will support this Virtual Development Environment by providing implementation services, including education and training for product-related functions. The solutions are all running on IBM IntelliStation M-Pro workstations.

“The native compatibility of V5 PLM products such as CATIA and DELMIA, unburdened by papered-over integrations between disparate design and manufacturing solutions, are critical to achieving the reduced costs and improved overall quality envisioned by the market,” said Marcelo Lemos, president, Dassault Systèmes of America. “Lockheed Martin has long been using DELMIA V5 to realize its goals for manufacturing simulation and this new commitment to CATIA V5 as the preferred design solution for the JSF, along with their longstanding commitment to DELMIA, will offer Lockheed unparalleled PLM integration.”

“IBM and Lockheed Martin have enjoyed a long and successful relationship, and Lockheed is now setting the standard in design expertise with CATIA V5,” said John Porter, vice president, Americas, IBM PLM. "We are excited to be part of the F-35 team, and help Lockheed Martin lead its industry in innovation.  Lockheed has raised the bar for reducing costs, decreasing development time, and enhancing product quality for this important government program, and our PLM solutions are a perfect fit for their demanding expectations."