BAE adds to F-35 production facility

A new production line for the assembly of F-35 horizontal and vertical tails at BAE Systems in Samlesbury is up and running.

After machining operations the tails will pulse through a series of three stations during which sealants are applied followed by two carbon skins known as structural wet assembly. At peak rate production tails will move down the line at a rate of one completed set every day.

The 40-year F-35 programme combines the expertise of more than 500 companies. BAE Systems brings military aircraft expertise that is key to the development and manufacture of the Lightning II. Along with being responsible for the design and delivery of the aft fuselage and empennage for each of the three F-35 variants, BAE Systems also plays a key role in other areas including vehicle and mission systems, life support system and prognostics health management integration.