Daniel M. Tellep, Engineer Who Steered Lockheedâs Growth, Dies at 89 A pioneer of aerospace and missile systems, he rose to chief executive, then initiated the Lockheed-Martin merger that formed the worldâs largest military contractor. Daniel M. Tellep in 1980. He was obsessed with flight from a young age and flew engineless gliders for sport while running the giant defense-industry companies Lockheed and then Lockheed Martin.Credit...via Tellep family Published Dec. 31, 2020Updated Jan. 5, 2021 Daniel M. Tellep, an aerospace engineer who initiated a merger between Lockheed and Martin Marietta to form the worldâs largest military contractor, then became its first chief executive, died on Nov. 26 at his home in Saratoga, Calif. He was 89.