Lockheed Martin officials say the company is in good shape to ramp up its F-35 production rate, with more than 30 aircraft currently in some phase of production, Executive Vice President for Aeronautics and F-35 Program Integration Tom Burbage told reporters at AFA’s Air & Space Conference Monday. The first three low-rate initial production lots include both domestic and international aircraft. The last LRIP Lot 1 aircraft—USAF’s AF-7—and the first LRIP Lot 2 aircraft—AF-8 and AF-9—are just about to leave the factory. Five Lot 2 aircraft are in the mating stations, while three Lot 3 aircraft—two short takeoff and vertical landing variants for the United Kingdom and one conventional variant for the Netherlands—are in assembly. Lot 4 includes two additional international aircraft, a third UK STOVL aircraft and a second conventional one for the Dutch. Burbage expects a resolution soon to the cost “uncertainty” that culminated last year and contributed to a major program overhaul. That, he said, should free movement on Lot 4.
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.