Lockheed Martin (Audio)

This podcast episode explores the history of Lockheed Martin, focusing on two key periods: World War II and the Cold War. The hosts discuss Lockheed's early years, the creation of the Skunk Works division and its innovative aircraft designs (like the P-38 Lightning and U-2 spy plane), and Lockheed's pivotal role in the development of Silicon Valley through its Missile Systems Division. A key takeaway is Lockheed's unconventional approach to engineering and project management, emphasizing small, highly skilled teams and rapid prototyping. The episode concludes by examining the modern Lockheed Martin, its diversification, and the changing dynamics of the military-industrial complex, highlighting the shift from small, agile teams to large-scale, government-funded projects.