July, 2015
The first vertical tails manufactured by Australian engineering company Marand have been installed on the F-35 Lightning II combat jet in Lockheed Martin’s manufacturing plant in Fort Worth, Texas.
Marand said the installation of the first major air frame components marked an important production milestone for the company, BAE Systems and Australia, demonstrating the significant industrial benefits the F-35 program brings to the growing Australian aerospace industry.
The work on the F-35 vertical tails is subcontracted to Marand by BAE Systems and is one of the largest planned manufacturing projects for the F-35 in Australia, with 722 ship sets planned.
“We are proud of this incredible milestone for our team and for the work our company has done to establish a unique capability in the field of aerostructures
manufacturing,” said Marand chief executive officer Rohan Stocker.
“Our work not only serves the Australian Defence industry, but also creates high technology Australian jobs.”
Marand said the F-35 Lightning II aircraft will provide the Royal Australian Air Force with a transformational fifth generation fighter capability and provide significant benefits to the Australian aerospace industry, with more than $US412 million already contracted.
To read the full press release from Marand, click here.