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BAE Systems Achieves Key Production Milestones for the F-35 Fighter

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BAE Systems has achieved significant production milestones by delivering its 3,000th vehicle management computer (VMC) and 1,000th active inceptor system (AIS) for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft. These systems enhance flight safety and mission effectiveness while reducing pilot workload. The company has ramped up full-rate production, increasing VMC deliveries from 10 to 25 shipsets per month and AIS from 10 to 19 shipsets per month. BAE Systems continues to support the F-35 program, providing advanced technologies and maintaining a 100% quality rating from Lockheed Martin.

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  • Achieved full-rate production for VMC and AIS, increasing deliveries significantly.
  • 100% quality rating from Lockheed Martin for VMC and AIS production.
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ENDICOTT, N.Y. & ROCHESTER, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BAE Systems recently delivered its 3,000th vehicle management computer (VMC) and 1,000th active inceptor system (AIS) to Lockheed Martin for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft, achieving two major production milestones on the platform. The VMC and AIS are flight critical systems that provide each F-35 jet with the ability to operate safely and reliably in demanding environments, with decreased pilot workload and enhanced mission effectiveness.

The vehicle management computer and active inceptor system are flight critical systems that provide each F-35 jet with the ability to operate safely and reliably in demanding environments. (Photo: BAE Systems)

The vehicle management computer and active inceptor system are flight critical systems that provide each F-35 jet with the ability to operate safely and reliably in demanding environments. (Photo: BAE Systems)

“At BAE Systems, we are dedicated to supporting our warfighters with the most advanced systems and technologies,” said Ehtisham Siddiqui, vice president and general manager of Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems. “These two milestones underscore our partnership with Lockheed Martin to consistently deliver proven flight-critical and mission-critical systems on time for the F-35 aircraft.”

The VMC unit provides advanced hardware and computing for the F-35’s digital fly-by-wire flight control system and utility systems (fuel, electrical, and hydraulic system controls), which maximize system integration to improve mission efficiency and safety. BAE Systems has successfully reached full-rate production – increasing deliveries from 10 shipsets per month to 25 shipsets per month to achieve program requirements.

BAE Systems has also reached full-rate production at a level of 19 shipsets per month for its active inceptors, which are used by the pilot to direct and maneuver the aircraft. The AIS consists of the inceptor control unit, active side stick controller, and active quadrant throttle assembly. The high-integrity inceptors provide pilots with tactical feedback through active technology for increased situational awareness, safety, and mission survivability.

The company continues to invest in equipment, testing, and infrastructure upgrades for best-in-class manufacturing efficiency and aftermarket support. These improvements contributed to a 100 percent quality rating in both VMC and AIS production for 2020 from Lockheed Martin. Work for the VMC and AIS occurs at BAE Systems facilities in Endicott, N.Y. and Rochester, U.K., respectively.

BAE Systems is a major global partner to Lockheed Martin on the F-35 program. The company also provides the electronic warfare system for the platform, delivering a cumulative total of 830 systems to-date out of its Nashua, N.H. facility. In addition to providing mission-critical electronic warfare systems, the company also manufactures the aft fuselage for each jet at its facilities in Lancashire, U.K. and Adelaide, Australia, and provides sustainability, technical support, and training to keep the global fleet of F-35s mission-ready.

For more information on BAE Systems’ work on the F-35 program, visit www.baesystems.com/en-us/product/f-35.

For more information, please contact:

Eric Peterson, BAE Systems

Mobile: 603-288-4082

eric.peterson2@baesystems.com

www.baesystems.com/US

@BAESystemsInc

Source: BAE Systems

FAQ

What milestones did BAE Systems achieve for the F-35 program in 2023?

BAE Systems delivered its 3,000th vehicle management computer and 1,000th active inceptor system for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

What is the production rate for BAE Systems' vehicle management computer as of 2023?

BAE Systems increased the production rate of its vehicle management computer from 10 to 25 shipsets per month.

What is the production rate for BAE Systems' active inceptor system as of 2023?

The active inceptor system is now produced at a rate of 19 shipsets per month.

What quality rating has BAE Systems achieved from Lockheed Martin?

BAE Systems received a 100% quality rating in the production of both the vehicle management computer and active inceptor system.

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