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U.S. Air Force takes first steps toward F-35 production
April 11, 2006 (by
Jeff Hollenbeck) -
The U.S. Department of Defense announced that it has approved the first step towards Low Rate Initial Production of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
The memorandum from Kenneth Krieg, the Pentagon's head of weapons procurement, clears the way for contracts to purchase "long lead" items needed for initial F-35 production such as composite materials and titanium which form much of the airframe structure.
While the first F-35 is scheduled for its first flight sometime in October of 2006, Lockheed Martin is looking to start production next year with the first delivery scheduled for 2009.
The F-35 is slated to replace several different types of aircraft in U.S. military service including the A-10, F-16, F/A-18C, F/A-18D, and AV-8B Harrier along with replacing the Harrier for Great Britain.
Current estimates put the cost of the F-35 program for the U.S. and Britain around $250 Billion through 2027. Other international partners in the F-35 program include Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark, and Norway with export sales expected to bring in another $200 Billion for Lockheed Martin.
While the first F-35 is scheduled for its first flight sometime in October of 2006, Lockheed Martin is looking to start production next year with the first delivery scheduled for 2009.
The F-35 is slated to replace several different types of aircraft in U.S. military service including the A-10, F-16, F/A-18C, F/A-18D, and AV-8B Harrier along with replacing the Harrier for Great Britain.
Current estimates put the cost of the F-35 program for the U.S. and Britain around $250 Billion through 2027. Other international partners in the F-35 program include Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark, and Norway with export sales expected to bring in another $200 Billion for Lockheed Martin.
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