Lockheed taps deputy F-35 chief to take over program

Lockheed Martin is switching the leader of its behemoth F-35 fighter jet program, announcing today that the program’s deputy, Chauncey McIntosh, will take the helm. 

On Dec. 1, McIntosh will succeed Bridget Lauderdale, a long-time Lockheed executive who led the company’s F-35 efforts for three years. Lauderdale will retire at the end of the year, according to a company statement. 

McIntosh will take over after a rocky year for the program: the company is dealing with major delays while developing new technology for the jet, which resulted in the Pentagon halting deliveries last year. Company officials have yet to finish negotiations over the price tag of jets in the next production lot. F-35 sustainment costs remain high, and the company has failed to convince Pentagon officials to move to a long-desired, performance-based logistics sustainment deal.

“As the vice president and general manager for the F-35 program, McIntosh will be responsible for further strengthening positive customer experiences by reinforcing and continually growing the capability and reliability of the F-35; showcasing significant program progress; and ensuring the F-35 program meets the speed, agility, quality and affordability requirements deserved and expected by U.S. and international customers,” the company said. 

Before joining the F-35 program as deputy, McIntosh led Lockheed Martin’s integrated warfare systems & sensors business, which develops software for Aegis air-defense systems. Before that, he was the vice president and general manager for Lockheed’s training and logistics business, leading mission readiness and sustainment programs for the F-35 and other products. He has also worked on aspects of the F-22, C-5, P-3, and S3 programs.