Led by the US, with participation from the UK, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Denmark and Norway, this collaborative programme delivers a stealthy, multi-role attack aircraft capable of operating from land and sea to nations across the globe.
The programme delivers three variants of the aircraft, each working to meet customer's individual needs:
- F-35A - Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL)
- F-35B - Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL)
- F-35C - Carrier Variant
As a key partner we collaborate with the programme's prime contractor, Lockheed Martin to deliver around 15% of each aircraft, (excluding propulsion), playing a major role in the development, production and sustainment of each jet.
- Design and development - Our expertise in STOVL technology, developed from our Harrier programme, earned us our place on the F-35 and today we hold lead design authority on crucial capabilities including fuel, crew escape and life support systems.
- Advanced manufacturing - The aft fuselage of every F-35 is built in our advanced manufacturing and assembly facilities in the North West of England, with the horizontal and vertical tails and crucial components also manufactured in our UK and Australia facilities. However our role in production does not stop at the airframe as our US-based teams also deliver key electronic systems onboard the jet, including the electronic warfare suite, vehicle management computer and Active Inceptor System.
- Electronic systems - We research, develop, integrate and field the most advanced electronic technologies to provide discriminating capabilities to the F-35.
- Global sustainment - Across the globe, our F-35 teams in the UK, US and Australia, are leveraging our proven pedigree in combat aircraft sustainment to bring down costs as hundreds of aircraft enter service. We are already delivering maintenance, repairs, upgrades, training and technical support which are crucial to supporting warfighters across the world.
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Royal Navy pilot hails ‘unique’ simulator’s role in supporting first of class flight trialsOne of the UK's leading F-35 Lightning test pilots has spoken of the importance of a unique £2m flight simulator developed by BAE Systems for use in preparation of flight trials on board HMS Queen Elizabeth, the UK’s new aircraft carrier later this year. -
First UK F-35 Lightning aircraft land at RAF MarhamThe first of the UK’s F-35 Lightning aircraft have landed at RAF Marham and been welcomed by our business which has played a central role in its arrival.
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F-35 interoperability trials
UK/US trials review F-35 interoperability in a simulated maritime scenario
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Pilots begin flights in new F-35 Lightning II simulator in preparation for trials on carrierA world-leading flight engineering simulator created by BAE Systems is ready to be “flown” by F-35 Lightning II pilots for the first time as they prepare for flight trials on the UK’s new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier next year.
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Royal Navy pilot hails ‘unique’ simulator’s role in supporting first of class flight trialsOne of the UK's leading F-35 Lightning test pilots has spoken of the importance of a unique £2m flight simulator developed by BAE Systems for use in preparation of flight trials on board HMS Queen Elizabeth, the UK’s new aircraft carrier later this year.
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First UK F-35 Lightning aircraft land at RAF MarhamThe first of the UK’s F-35 Lightning aircraft have landed at RAF Marham and been welcomed by our business which has played a central role in its arrival.
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