By: Robert DoughertyBAE Systems has delivered the 1,000th F-35 Lightning II fuselage to Lockheed Martin in major milestone in the development of the iconic aircraft.
The 1,000th fifth generation fighter rear fuselage was sent to Lockheed Martin for the F-35 on February 7, more than a decade since the first fuselage was delivered in 2005.
More than 1,500 employees at the company’s facilities in Samlesbury, Lancashire, produce the rear fuselage for every F-35 in the global fleet.
BAE Systems Air group managing director Cliff Robson said the company had held a celebration for the 1000th delivery.
“This is a significant moment for everyone involved in the programme and a testament to the highly-skilled workforce we have in the North West of England,” he said.