10 IN VIEW
FIGHTER PROJECT CONTINUES TO DELIVER
LANCASHIRE planemakers have celebrated a major milestone for the world’s largest defence programme and the key part they are playing in its delivery.
In early February BAE Systems handed over the 1,000th rear fuselage to Lockheed Martin for the F-35 Lightning II, the world’s most advanced and capable fifth generation fighter.
More than 1,500 workers at the defence giant’s Samlesbury operation produce the rear fuselage for every F-35 in the global fleet. The first fuselage was delivered to Lockheed Martin in 2005.
At an event celebrating the 1,000th delivery, Cliff Robson, group managing director for BAE Systems’ Air Sector, said: “This is a significant moment for everyone involved in the programme and a testament to the highly skilled workforce we have in the north west of England.
“Our role on the F-35 programme is another example of how we make a substantial contribution to the local and national UK economy and help to deliver capability which is critical for national security.”
Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of the F-35 programme, praised the work being carried out in Lancashire.
She said: “The F-35 programme powers economic growth and prosperity for the UK injecting approximately £41bn into the UK economy and supporting more than 20,000 jobs in the UK supply chain, many of those based in the north west.
“With more than 500 companies in our UK supply chain, we’re proud of the role that our partnership with BAE Systems has in delivering the world’s most advanced aircraft for the UK and 17 other allied nations.”
BAE Systems has been involved in the F-35 programme since it began and plays key roles across the development, manufacture and sustainment of the aircraft, which is operated by the RAF, Royal Navy and air forces across the world.
Work on the programme will continue at BAE Systems’ advanced manufacturing hub at Samlesbury for many years to come.
The roles we play today are underpinned by a world-class manufacturing pedigree and industrial know-how in the UK
Susan Addison, senior vice president for US programmes at BAE Systems’ Air Sector, said: “The roles we play today are underpinned by a world-class manufacturing pedigree and industrial know-how in the UK, which has been developed through decades of cutting-edge experience in combat air programmes. We are proud of what we do for our customers and the air forces who help keep us safe.”
As well as the Samlesbury manufacturing operation, BAE Systems’ Warton plant is home to an immersive simulation facility that enables UK and US Marine Corps F-35 pilots to complete dedicated training exercises with the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth Class carriers.
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