Frank Cappucio
Former EVP, LM Skunk Works
Department of Defense
Subject Matter Expert: Advanced Airborne Assets
Mr. Cappuccio brings four decades of diverse experience in management, engineering, and strategic development and a profound desire to utilize these skills and his wisdom to serve his country. Frank is currently a senior advisor to the U.S. DOD Defense Science Board and to the National Academy of Science and is a fellow at the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics. He specializes in Strategic Planning, Program Management and Technical Due Diligence Services across aerospace and energy industries. Mr. Cappuccio was the EVP and GM of Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Development Programs (Skunk Works) and Strategic Planning for the Aeronautics Company. Mr. Cappuccio led the development on new program initiatives, growing Skunk Works at a 25% year over year rate for over ten years. Achievements include fielding the first operating survivable UAV, prototyping the first P-791 Hybrid Airship, and launching numerous innovations to existing programs including F35, F16, F22, and C130.
Mr. Cappuccio was Vice President of the Joint Strike Fighter Program (JSF). Under his leadership, Lockheed Martin won the JSF contract, the largest contract ever awarded. The capture of the follow on engineering, manufacturing and development phase was valued at $20B. Key to his success was the technical and financial integration of BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman into a seamless team.
Mr. Cappuccio served both as Vice President for Program and Technology and Vice President, Surveillance and Command for Lockheed Martin’s Aeronautics Company when he first joined Lockheed Martin as part of the Rockwell International merger. While at Rockwell International, he served as Vice President of Advanced Programs, responsible for expanding the corporation’s aerospace markets in operations analysis, radar-signature suppression, and advanced weapon system design.
Prior to Rockwell, Mr. Cappuccio served Program Director of Advanced Development and Technology Operations for Martin Marietta’s Skunk Works, where he led rapid-prototyping projects, which included smart sub-munitions, dual mode sensors, radar and sonar systems, and advanced missiles. Mr. Cappuccio joined the Skunk Works on the F117 program, eventually serving as Vice President and Assistant General Manager of the Research, Technology and Development. Prior to Lockheed, Mr. Cappuccio held various positions with Hamilton Standard’s Arma Division and Sikorsky Aircraft.
Mr. Cappuccio’s lifetime honors and awards include the President Bush Innovation Award, Lockheed Martin President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and the National Engineers Council “Kelly Johnson Award” and many more. He earned his M.B.A. at Adelphi University and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Columbia University.
