FORT WORTH, Texas, May 21st, 1998 -- Lockheed Martin has sold its high security center known as Lockheed West for an undisclosed dollar amount. Q 500 Center, L.P. purchased the building on behalf of the general partner United States Defense Research (USDR).

USDR and their clients intend to use the facility as a high security center housing data recovery systems, back office processing of secure information and a number of other operations that require a secure facility in which to operate.

The unique center was constructed in 1989 utilizing state-of-the-art security features, including reinforced concrete walls and metal shielding to prevent electronic interference from outside sources. Electricity is supplied by two separate power feeds from two different transformer stations, complete with emergency generators supported by Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) systems.

The facility at one time served as the location for the A-12 and F-22 aircraft development programs. Several thousand employees were housed in the complex during peak development times when total company employment was in excess of 30,000 people. As the size of the labor force contracted, the majority of employees were relocated back to the main plant.

Lockheed Martin currently employs approximately 11,000 people. The recent announcement of the selection of the F-16 by the United Arab Emirates will result in additional employment at the height of production on the program in 2001. Lockheed Martin also anticipates future sales which will continue F-16 production well into the next century and until the start of production of the next generation multirole aircraft, the Joint Strike Fighter.

USDR personnel and their clients will utilize the center with minimal modification. Use by USDR clients will result in additional, substantial employment opportunities for the Metroplex. Lockheed Martin will lease back a major portion of the center for its business needs. USDR confirmed they will have floor space available for Texas corporations or companies requiring such a facility; however, there are pre-qualified requirements due to the secure nature of the center.

United States Defense Research provides high-level secure facilities for Fortune 500 companies and other clientele with special projects. USDR centers are unique in that their construction and infrastructure are designed to a security level previously only available to Government. The centers are required to combat industrial espionage and terrorism aimed against United States entities, losses of proprietary information and product currently exceed 200 billion dollars a year.

John Robinson817-919-5735