The F35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is slated to be the last manned aircraft in production. The design and production is being executed by a Lockheed Martin-led industry team that includes Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, and Pratt & Whitney. The final assembly takes place at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Martin Ft. Worth, Texas.
The F-35 Lighting II is a fifth generation multi-role stealth fighter/bomber with 3 models available. The F‑35A is a conventional takeoff and landing variant to be used by the Air Force. The F-35B is a short takeoff and vertical landing variant to be used by the Marines. The F-35C is a carrier based variant to be used by the Navy. The F-35 will be replacing the following aircraft: F-16, AV-8B Harrier, F-15 Eagle and the F-18 Hornets. The F-35 is designed as a dual role aircraft supporting fighter operations as well as ground support.
Over fifty F-35’s are currently deployed in operational and training squadrons. The largest number of those are based at Elgin AFB in Florida as the “formal training unit” or FTU. The program, which has been beset with design and budget issues, is switching focus from development to production and sustainment. According to the program office, while the budget requests have been
reduced in response to sequestration and calls for cost containment, properly sourcing the program is critical to keeping the costs in check for the long term.
The Pentagon wants 2,443 F-35’s (680 for the Navy and Marine Corp plus 1,763 for the Air Force). In addition, there are many partner nations such as Canada, Japan, Britain (2 already delivered) and Australia who will use the F-35 to bolster their services.
CP Technologies is proud to be a key player in the F-35 program and continues to support the war fighter with advanced technology tailored to the application environment.
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