Northrop Grumman has reached a major production milestone, delivering its 1,500th centre fuselage for the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter.
The fuselages are assembled at the company’s Integrated Assembly Line (IAL) in California, which has been operational since 2011. The facility now produces one centre fuselage every 30 hours, with advanced manufacturing techniques including augmented and virtual reality tools reducing assembly time by 35%.
(Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)
A universal component
The centre fuselage is used across all three F-35 variants: the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing model, the F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing variant, and the carrier-based F-35C. Each variant offers different capabilities tailored to specific operational requirements.
Beyond fuselage production, Northrop Grumman also manufactures the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, the primary integrated communication, navigation and identification system fitted to all F-35 aircraft.
Australia’s role in the program
Australia has committed to acquiring 72 F-35A aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force as part of the $17 billion AIR 6000 Phase 2A/B program. The first Australian jets arrived in 2018, with operations based primarily at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal.
The F-35A fleet has since reached full operational capability, replacing the retired F/A-18A/B Hornet aircraft. As a fifth-generation stealth fighter, the F-35A brings supersonic speed and advanced integrated communications to Australia’s defence capabilities.
