ATK and Lockheed Martin Sign Letter of Agreement for Composite Production on the F-35 Lightning II
Alliant Techsystems has signed a Letter of Agreement (LoA) with Lockheed Martin to produce fiber placed components for low-rate initial production (LRIP) on the F-35 Lightning II, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter. Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.Under the terms of the LoA, ATK will use advanced fiber-placement technology to provide upper wing-box skins, lower wing-box skins, and nacelle skins during LRIP lots one through three for the conventional-takeoff-and-landing and short-takeoff/vertical-landing variants of the F-35. ATK also will provide: upper wing-box and nacelle skins for the F-35 carrier variant. Beginning with LRIP lot four, ATK is under contract to supply Lockheed Martin with a minimum of 30 percent of the total fiber-placed composite components used in wing production. 'The F-35 is the most advanced manned aircraft under development for U.S. and allied nations and ATK is proud of the role we will play as it enters service,' said Mark Messick, Vice President and General Manager, ATK Aerospace Structures. 'This is a significant, long-term agreement that will provide steady revenues and showcase ATK's unmatched fiber placement technology.' The F-35 is a supersonic, multi-role, 5th generation stealth fighter designed to replace a wide range of existing aircraft, including AV-8B Harriers, A-10s, F-16s, F/A-18 Hornets and United Kingdom Harrier GR.7s and Sea Harriers. As an industry leader in the design, development and production of composite component technologies, ATK will work closely with Lockheed Martin to ensure that the F-35 meets a wide range of mission requirements for government customers. Work under the agreement will take place at ATK's Clearfield, Utah and Rocket Center, WV facilities. |
