BAE Systems Delivers 500th Aft Fuselage of F-35 Stealth Jet to Lockheed Martin

BAE Systems’ plant in Samlesbury, Lancashire today delivered the 500th aft fuselage of the F-35 Lightning II Stealth fighter jet.

The facility produces the aft fuselage, horizontal and vertical tails of the jet which is operated by both the US Air Force and the Royal Air Force. “Across its global enterprise, we deliver up to 15% of every F-35 built and has a vital role in the ongoing development and sustainment of the aircraft for customers across the globe,” a BAE release said.

"The programme is led by prime contractor, US firm Lockheed Martin, with BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman making up its principal industry partners."

Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems Chief Executive, said: “We secured our place on the programme through our engineering expertise and world-class manufacturing. Delivering the 500th aft fuselage of the aircraft is a major milestone for us, and we know by continuing to deliver we will maintain our place on the programme and our strong relationship with the US.”

Greg Ulmer, F-35 Executive Vice President and General Manager at Lockheed Martin, said: “BAE Systems’ 500th aft fuselage delivery is another demonstration that the F-35 enterprise is ramping up production, improving efficiencies and reducing costs to meet growing demand.”