FORT WORTH, Texas, May 14 (UPI) -- American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics has selected the F-35 Lightning II program headed by Lockheed Martin for its Foundation Award for Excellence.
U.S. defense company Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth fighter aircraft program was given the award in recognition for the aircraft design and technology advancements. The annual AIAA Foundation Award for Excellence is given to honor major accomplishments in aeronautics and astronautics.
The F-35 Lightning II team, led by Lockheed Martin, includes support from Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. The F-35 is designed as the Air Force's next-generation multirole, network-enabled close air support and tactical bombing aircraft.
The program is currently undergoing flight testing.
"This award acknowledges the commitment of the F-35 team, and the revolutionary technology that make the F-35 the fighter of the future," Tom Burbage, Lockheed Martin F-35 Program Integration executive vice president and general manager, said in a statement.
