Construction of A,B & C in one line.

[kiwidingo]

Am I right in seeing an A model followed by a B model?

http://lexleader.net/wp-content/uploads ... tory-2.jpg

If so then I think this is a hugely underrated advantage of the F-35 program. The shared parts aren't jus in the plane itself but in the whole production line.

One question, it looks like the B doesn't have a refuelling port because the left fan is in the way?

[SpudmanWP]

Yes. All three models share the same production line.

The only thing that changes are the jigs as they move down the line.

As far as refueling, the B & C use the Navy style "Probe and Drogue" refueling method while the USAF used the "Boom" method. If you look closely at the nose of the B you sill see the gray P&D door just on the left side of the nose.






Here is the Boom method for the "A"

[johnwill]

deleted, repeat of Spudman'a post.

[spazsinbad]

F-35 IUID Program Implementation; Bill Still; LM Aeronautics

https://www.slideshare.net/robbinlaird/the-f35-and-uid (PDF 1.4Mb)

Graphic: CTOL Manufacturing Sequence Flow - UID Forum - 7-9 Sep 2010