STOVL variant JSF machining commences at BAE, Salmlesbury

The STOVL variant of the F-35 JSF, one of three is scheduled to replace the Harrier aircraft when it enters service with the US Marines, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. The aft fuselage and empennage for each F-35 JSF are being designed, engineered and built at Samlesbury. “The component takes around 200 hours to machine, however, in-total, it will take three months to complete, not because of the size or complexity but because the component is the first of its kind,” said Jon Evans, BAE Systems’ operations manager at the Advanced Machining Center. “During this time, the component will be subjected to continuous tests and inspection checks to prove the engineering and the component's integrity, to make sure it meets the exacting standards of the F-35 JSF design program.” Tom Fillingham, BAE Systems' vice president and F-35 JSF deputy program manager said: “The start of production on the STOVL variant is a major step forward for the F-35 JSF program and represents a great start to a significant year. Over the next 12 months, we will see first flight of the first F-35 and we will deliver the aft fuselage of the first STOVL variant to the final assembly line in Fort Worth, Texas. We will also start assembly on six more aircraft.”