Lockheed Picks Chief for ‘Skunk Works’

Lockheed Corp. has selected Sherman N. Mullin to succeed the retiring Ben R. Rich as head of Lockheed Advanced Development Co., the aircraft design and development operation commonly known as the “Skunk Works.”

Mullin previously was vice president of Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Co., heading up the company’s development of the F-22 advanced tactical fighter. Mullin will remain involved in that project as an adviser.

Mullin, 55, joined Lockheed in 1959 as an engineer and transferred in 1968 to the former Lockheed-California Co., assisting in the development of anti-submarine warfare technology. Mullin was appointed a skunk works vice president in 1982. He became vice president and general manager of the advanced tactical fighter program in 1985.

Rich, 65, retired after a 40-year career with Lockheed. He assisted original skunk works leader Kelly Johnson with advanced aircraft such as the F-104 fighter and the U-2 reconnaissance plane. Rich had served as head of the skunk works since 1975, when the operation was a unit of Lockheed Aeronautical Systems.

Rich became president of the operation when it converted into a separate company in May, 1990. As head of Lockheed Advanced Development Co., Rich presided over the development of the F-117A Stealth fighter.