Kaman UK has now delivered 80,000 rear fuselage packers to BAE Systems for its F-35 manufacturing programme. These parts along with 1,000 plenum ducts have been used in the manufacture of over 500 aircraft.
The supply started in 2003 and is part of a long-term partnership between the companies for the manufacture and supply for multiple aircraft platforms, such as Typhoon, Hawk, Tornado and Harrier AV-8B, of a wide range of metallics, composites and ground support equipment. These include plenum ducts, chemical treatments, landing gear doors, rudders, over-wing panels, ailerons, blanking plugs, canopy removal tools and various other complex assemblies for wing and fuselage.
Kaman UK first began working with BAE Systems in 1951 under its predecessor company, English Electric Company. This covers a wide range of ongoing and legacy programmes such as Javelin, Buccaneer, Harrier and Tornado and today the Hawk and its variants, Typhoon and the F-35 (latter since 2003). Kaman manufactures and provides spare parts on these programmes via BAE Systems for air forces around the world.
Christopher Morris, Kaman UK’s Managing Director, said: “For decades BAE Systems has been a driving force for the aerospace manufacturing industry, providing the capability for the defence of this country. We are pleased that we have been able to support BAE Systems as it develops the aircraft for today and tomorrow which will guarantee the nation’s security and provide continued employment for thousands of engineers and support staff across the UK supply chain.
“We are looking forward to continuing to supply parts and services for this aerospace and defence leader by investing in our technology, our people and our systems.”
Gary Crank, BAE Systems Air, US Programmes Procurement Executive: “BAE Systems is recognised around the world for its leading-edge manufacturing processes and the ability to innovate in defence and aerospace markets. To achieve this, we need suppliers that we can rely on in order to deliver against our commitments to our customers.
“Kaman is one of our suppliers who form part of our external supply chain, enabling us to deliver to our customers all over the world.”
Photo: An RAF F-35B Lightning (II) from 617 Squadron based at RAF Marham. © Crown copyright.