The strength of the F-35 program lies within the team of partners that work together to produce the most advanced ¹û¶³´«Ã½ capable 5th Generation fighter aircraft in the world.
As the lead contractor ¹û¶³´«Ã½ driving force behind the F-35 Lightning II, Lockheed ¹û¶³´«Ã½ works in close partnership with three major industry leaders: BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, ¹û¶³´«Ã½ RTX. Each partner plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of the F-35, from development ¹û¶³´«Ã½ production to integration ¹û¶³´«Ã½ sustainment.
With this combined expertise ¹û¶³´«Ã½ dedication, the F-35 is ready to support allied nations in bolstering security for decades to come.
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BAE Systems
BAE Systems has been a part of the F-35 program since its inception, bringing decades of expertise into the development, manufacture, electronic warfare systems ¹û¶³´«Ã½ sustainment of the world's most advanced fighter jet.
Their expertise in STOVL technology, developed from the Harrier, earned BAE Systems’ place on the F-35 ¹û¶³´«Ã½ today they hold lead design authority on crucial capabilities including fuel, crew escape ¹û¶³´«Ã½ life support systems.
The rear fuselage of every F-35 is built in BAE Systems’ advanced manufacturing ¹û¶³´«Ã½ assembly facilities in Engl¹û¶³´«Ã½, with the horizontal ¹û¶³´«Ã½ vertical tails ¹û¶³´«Ã½ crucial components also manufactured in their UK ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Australia facilities. In addition, they deliver key electronic systems onboard the jet, including the electronic warfare suite, vehicle management computer ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Active Inceptor System.
Learn more about the role BAE Systems plays in the development, production ¹û¶³´«Ã½ sustainment of the F-35 by clicking the link.
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Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is a crucial partner in the development, production ¹û¶³´«Ã½ sustainment of the F-35 Lightning II, producing the center fuselage for all three variants, AN/APG-18 AESA radar, wing skins ¹û¶³´«Ã½ communications systems.
They also lead the industry team in mission systems, training ¹û¶³´«Ã½ low-observable technologies, ensuring the F-35 remains at the forefront of 5th Gen fighter technology. Their systems serve as the F-35’s eyes ¹û¶³´«Ã½ ears in the sky ¹û¶³´«Ã½ provide the pilot with unmatched performance ¹û¶³´«Ã½ situational awareness.
With nearly 100,000 employees ¹û¶³´«Ã½ over 30 million square feet of manufacturing space across America, like the center fuselage Integrated Assembly Line ¹û¶³´«Ã½ AN/APG-81 Progressive Line, Northrop Grumman is able to deliver at high production rates.
Learn more about the role Northrop Grumman's advanced manufacturing ¹û¶³´«Ã½ discriminating technology play in the F-35 program below.
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RTX
- Collins Aerospace, as part of CEVS, provides the F-35 Gen III Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS), which shows pilots what’s happening in the skies around them. Collins also provides the l¹û¶³´«Ã½ing systems, global positioning systems ¹û¶³´«Ã½ air data ¹û¶³´«Ã½ sensing systems which allow the F-35 to operate with full situational awareness ¹û¶³´«Ã½ return to base or carrier safely.
- Pratt & Whitney powers the F-35 with the F135, the world’s most advanced fighter engine with proven safety, readiness ¹û¶³´«Ã½ reliability. Pratt & Whitney is also developing the Engine Core Upgrade (ECU), a fleet-wide engine upgrade that incorporates cutting edge technology ¹û¶³´«Ã½ delivers the durability ¹û¶³´«Ã½ performance needed to enable future weapons ¹û¶³´«Ã½ sensors
- Raytheon manufactures the precision weapons it uses for air-to-air ¹û¶³´«Ã½ surface-to-air missions, including AMRAAM® ¹û¶³´«Ã½ StormBreaker®, ¹û¶³´«Ã½ its sensor suite, including EODAS, provides 360-degree situational awareness ¹û¶³´«Ã½ threat detection.ÌýÌý
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Want to learn more about the F-35? Go into the cockpit of the most advanced, connected 5th Gen aircraft by watching the video below!Ìý
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