Northrop Grumman quality team performs final inspection of an F-35 centre fuselage. Credit: © 2018 Northrop Grumman Corporation.

Northrop Grumman has commenced the full-rate production of the centre fuselage for the F-35 Lightning II fighter jets at its Palmdale Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence.

The F-35 centre fuselage is a primary structure of the fighter jet aircraft. It is manufactured on Northrop’s integrated assembly line (IAL) at its Palmdale facility, with one fuselage produced every one-and-a-half days.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Northrop’s Palmdale facility is equipped with latest advanced technologies that are either exclusive to or developed by the company.

“Northrop Grumman plays a critical role in the F-35 enterprise and we look forward to continuing to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and deliver transformational F-35 capabilities.”

Northrop Grumman Military Aircraft Systems sector vice-president and general manager Kevin Mickey said: “Our revolutionary approach on the IAL pairs advanced technology with data-driven analytics to manufacture advanced aircraft while delivering top quality products on time and often ahead of schedule.”

The company has brought together robotics, autonomous systems, virtual 3D and predictive automation for the production of the centre fuselage.

In addition to producing the F-35 centre fuselage for the Lockheed Martin aircraft, Northrop Grumman also manufactures wing skins for the fighter jet.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The company develops, produces and maintains a number of sensor systems, avionics, mission systems and mission-planning software, pilot and maintainer training systems courseware, electronic warfare simulation test capability, and low-observable technologies for the aircraft.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Supply Chain vice-president Eric Branyan said: “Northrop Grumman plays a critical role in the F-35 enterprise and we look forward to continuing to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and deliver transformational F-35 capabilities for the men and women in uniform.”

Last month, Northrop Grumman manufactured and delivered the 400th F-35 centre fuselage to Lockheed Martin. The production of the 500th unit started last week.