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BAE Starts Manufacture Of First F-35 Lightning II Aircraft
Manchester, UK (SPX) Apr 24, 2008 BAE Systems has cut metal on its first component for the F-35 Lightning II production aircraft. This opening cut, on a component part of the aft fuselage, signifies a major milestone for the F-35 Lightning II programme. The metal cut is for the first production F-35 Lightning II aircraft which will enter into service with the US Air Force (USAF) in 2010 and follows the production contract announcement made in December last year. The contract - a Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract - is worth pound25m to BAE Systems and will see the production of two conventional take off and landing variants. The component was cut by BAE Systems' supplier Hyde, at their Manchester factory. The component will move to BAE Systems' Samlesbury site in Lancashire for further manufacturing work before all parts are assembled together before being shipped to programme partner, Lockheed Martin's site in Texas for final assembly. Tom Fillingham, F-35 Lightning II Managing Director said: "This is a proud and important moment for BAE Systems. We are progressing well through the development stage of the F-35 Lightning II programme and now, concurrently with development aircraft manufacture, we are producing the first production aircraft. This is a clear signal of how mature the product is at this early stage of its life." Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links The latest in Military Technology for the 21st century at SpaceWar.com
Outside View: Su-34 strategy -- Part 2
Moscow, April 23, 2008 The Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback aircraft's remarkable qualities give Russia the option of using a relatively small number of them as an elite strike force. (United Press International's "Outside View" commentaries are written by outside contributors who specialize in a variety of important issues. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of United Press International. In the interests of creating an open forum, original submissions are invited.) |
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