Fighter Jet News

F-35 Lightning II News

Alcan becomes leading heavy gauge plate aluminum supplier for the F-35

September 14, 2006 (by Jeff Hollenbeck) - Alcan Rolled Products has entered into a multi-year agreement with Transtar Metals to supply heavy gauge aluminum plate in support of Transtar's supply chain management program with Lockheed Martin, Northrop-Grumman and BAE Systems.

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley addresses an audience of dignitaries and industry officials at the unveiling of the F-35 at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. Moseley officially named the stealth jet Lightning II. [LMTAS photo]

The program provides high-performance aluminum alloys for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter on a "just-in-time" basis. Alcan Rolled Products will become the leading supplier of Aluminum Heavy Gauge Plate for the F-35.

"This multi-year agreement is an on-going demonstration of Alcan Ravenswood's commitment to providing the aerospace industry with advanced innovative aluminum solutions," said Michel Jacques, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alcan Engineered Products following the signing of the agreement. "Working together with Transtar, Alcan Ravenswood looks forward to being the largest supplier of high-performance aluminum heavy gauge plate products to Lockheed's JSF program," he added.

Steve Scheinkman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Transtar Metals said, "Alcan Rolled Products - Ravenswood brings unique capabilities to the aerospace industry marketplace. Through their ability to provide heavy gauge aluminum plate, Alcan Ravenswood will be a major contributor to the success of the JSF program."

The stealth F-35 is a supersonic, multi-role, 5th generation fighter designed to replace aging AV-8B Harriers, A-10s, F-16s, F/A-18 Hornets and United Kingdom Harrier GR.7s and Sea Harriers. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems.

Alcan Rolled Products Ravenswood, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alcan Inc., is one of the largest aluminum rolling mills in the world and produces high quality aluminum plate, coil and sheet products for the aerospace, aeronautical and transportation industries. The plant's innovative lightweight products make an important contribution to the further development of high technology aerospace solutions, meeting customers' evolving requirements for reduced manufacturing costs and optimum weight/performance ratios.