2. Skunk Works Conditions for Project Success
Key specifications must be agreed in advance with the customer
Close cooperation and liaison with customer to build trust
Program manager is delegated almost complete control, with authority for technical, financial, and operational decisions
Project team is small, but strong - and flexible in its roles
Small number of people,
Continual informal communications
Continuity in personnel
External access by outsiders is controlled
Performance rewarded not only on number of personnel supervised
Documentation and reporting is very simple
Drawing control system with flexibility
Documented key decisions Minimum number of thorough reports
Quality is everyone’s responsibility
Financing arranged in advance
Cost control needs to be timely
(monthly reviews – don’t surprise the customer
Lockheed’s Skunk Works Special Projects Division produced some of the most advanced military aircraft ever made, including the U2 high-altitude spy plane, the Blackbird, and the F-117 stealth bomber. Headed by Kelly Johnson and then Ben Rich. (Origin of name: Li’l Abner)
<photos?> - maybe spread this over two slides…
P-38 Lightning
P-80 Shooting Star
XF-90
F-104 Starfighter
U-2
QT-2PC PRIZE CREW
Army-Lockheed YO-3A
A-12 Oxcart
SR-71 Blackbird
D-21 Tagboard
XST (Have Blue)
F-117 Nighthawk
F-22 Raptor
X-35
X-27
Polecat
Stealth Ship: Sea Shadow