Do Boeing and Lockheed Martin Ever Work Together?

Yes, Boeing and Lockheed Martin do collaborate on certain projects, particularly in the defense and aerospace sectors. Their collaborative efforts stem from the shared need to deliver advanced and reliable systems that meet stringent government requirements.

Partnership and Projects

One of the most notable collaborations between Boeing and Lockheed Martin is their partnership through United Launch Alliance (ULA). Formed in 2006, ULA combines the expertise of both companies to design and launch rockets for various governmental satellites and missions. This partnership emphasizes their commitment to providing reliable access to space for U.S. government missions.

Additionally, Boeing and Lockheed Martin have occasionally worked together on specific defense contracts or research initiatives. These collaborations are typically project-specific rather than ongoing alliances, which reflects the competitive nature of their business in many areas. Their combined capabilities can significantly enhance the development of advanced technologies or systems, making them viable partners for complex projects.

Specific Collaborations: F-22 and F-35 Programs

The F-22 program is a prime example of collaboration between Boeing and Lockheed Martin. On this project, Boeing is responsible for several critical components including the aft fuselage, wings, engine integration, Life Support System, and the recently transferred Thermal Management System. Lockheed Martin, on the other hand, plays a crucial role in other subsystems and systems.

Another collaboration that highlights their teamwork is the F-35 program. Boeing is a subcontractor to Lockheed Martin, focusing on the production of major fuselage sections, while Lockheed Martin handles the assembly of the aircraft and integration of various components. This division of labor is representative of the norm in the aerospace industry, where multiple subcontractors and partners work together to achieve common goals.

Other Collaborative Efforts

Collaboration between Boeing and Lockheed Martin extends beyond specific defense programs. For instance, when the USAF requires a Lockheed-Martin Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod on the Boeing F-15 or B-1, both companies must work together. They develop the necessary adaptors, flight test the hardware, and eventually provide a solution that meets the Air Force's requirements.

Trends in the defense industry show that such teamwork is becoming increasingly common. The F-35 program itself is a testament to this, where various subcontractors and partners contribute to the final product. This sort of cooperation is the norm, not the exception, in the aerospace and defense sectors.