The first launch of a Falcon Heavy should take place this year. That’s a delay of about three years, as the test flight from Vandenberg AFB had originally been scheduled for 2013. A negligible delay, though, particularly for a vehicle of this size, power, and complexity—not to mention revolutionary low-cost structure. If it succeeds, Falcon Heavy will become the most powerful rocket in the world, with more than twice the payload lift capacity of an Ariane 5ES, a Delta IV-Heavy, a Proton M, or even the now-retired Space Shuttle. Ac-cording to SpaceX marketing literature, only the Apollo Saturn V rocket of the late-1960s and early-1970s has had a greater ability to deliver space payloads.

Funding began in FY09 for development of the US Navy's Next Generation Jammer (NGJ), intended to replace (or possibly upgrade) the Growler's AN/ALQ-99 pods near the end of the decade, and also provide the Marine Corps with a JSF-mounted EA system to replace its Prowlers. Unlike the short shrift given to the almost-new EA-18G ICAP-III systems, NGJ has been something of a holy grail for the EW industry, with four teams (BAE Systems, ITT/Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon) funded for early development.

Strategy: Lockheed Martin is working to defend large fighter and transport aircraft programs such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the C-130 transport by performing well on its contracts while winning major new programs such as the next generation bomber (teamed with Boeing) and the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.

Acquisitions will be small, niche acquisitions, particularly in information technology and systems integration while the company seeks to increase cash returned to shareholders through higher dividends and stock repurchases.

Airbus wanted to beat Boeing. To get beyond 50% of the market, it needed some serious product line investment. The A380 offered the biggest investment they could make before their ownership went fully public. It also offered the biggest psychological statement about beating Boeing in its (former) core jetliner market.

Unfortunately, Airbus chose to attack what is also the least important segment (5% of the total market, at best). Aside from a limited pool of up-front customers, the A380 is al- most irrelevant in today’s market environment. This is a two-per-month segment.