EXHIBIT 23-A
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                 CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Martin Marietta
Corporation Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed on or about February
28, 1994, pertaining to the Sandia Corporation Savings and Security Plan and
Sandia Corporation Savings and Income Plan of our report dated January 21,
1994, with respect to the financial statements of Martin Marietta Corporation
and consolidated subsidiaries incorporated by reference in its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 and the related financial
statement schedules included therein; filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.



                                           ERNST & YOUNG

Washington, D.C.
February 23, 1994