Lockheed Corporation is an American aerospace company that manufactures advanced technology systems for the military and the aerospace industry. The spelling of Lockheed is pronounced /ˈlɑːkhiːd/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first two letters, "Lo," are pronounced as they appear. The "c" in Lockheed is pronounced as a "k" sound, and the "he" is pronounced like "he" in "heaven." The word is then concluded with a "d" sound. This unique spelling and pronunciation of the word distinguish Lockheed Corporation from other similar companies in the industry.
Lockheed Corporation was a prominent American aerospace company that played a significant role in the defense and aerospace industry during the 20th century. Founded in 1912 in California as the "Alco Hydro-Aeroplane Company," it later changed its name to "Lockheed Aircraft Corporation" in 1926 and eventually became known as the "Lockheed Corporation."
The company specialized in designing, manufacturing, and distributing various aircraft and aerospace technologies. It was renowned for its innovation, engineering excellence, and contributions to aviation advancements. Lockheed Corporation played a crucial part in America's military aviation history, producing numerous iconic aircraft models such as the P-38 Lightning, F-104 Starfighter, and SR-71 Blackbird.
Over time, Lockheed Corporation diversified its portfolio, expanding into areas such as spacecraft development, missile systems, and advanced technologies for both civil and military purposes. It also became heavily involved in government contracts, supplying aircraft and equipment to the United States armed forces.
In 1995, Lockheed Corporation merged with Martin Marietta to form Lockheed Martin Corporation, one of the largest defense contractors in the world. This merger further solidified the company's position as a leading provider of aerospace and defense technologies.
The legacy of Lockheed Corporation is marked by its significant contributions to aviation, military defense, and technological advancements. It represents an important chapter in the history of aerospace engineering and manufacturing in the United States.
The word "Lockheed Corporation" is a combination of the founder's last name, "Lockheed", and the term "corporation".
"Lockheed" refers to Allan H. Lockheed, an American aviation pioneer and entrepreneur who co-founded the company. Allan Lockheed's full last name was originally "Lochhead", which is a Scottish surname, but he changed it to "Lockheed" for ease of pronunciation and spelling.
The term "corporation" derives from the Latin word "corpus", which means "body". In the context of business, it refers to a legal entity that is created to conduct activities, such as Lockheed Corporation, which was established as an aerospace manufacturer and defense contractor.
Combining these elements, the name "Lockheed Corporation" represents the company founded by Allan Lockheed and its status as a legally recognized entity.