Fokker signed an agreement in principle today with Lockheed Martin for the delivery of the drag chute fairing assembly for Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II. The drag chute fairing assembly is a composite /metal construction that enables the F-35 Lightning II to release the drag chute. Drag chutes are used for fighter aircraft that operate from shorter runways or from wet or icy runways in cold climates. This agreement in principle helps secure skilled specialist work at Fokker in Hoogeveen and Papendrecht (Netherlands) over the coming years.

Norway will be the first country to receive the drag chute system, and Canada and the Netherlands are also considering adding this capability to their F-35 aircraft. Under this agreement, Fokker will be responsible for design improvements, industrialization, tooling design and manufacturing for the drag chute fairing which is a complex component that protects the chute and mechanisms during flight and opens to release the chute at landing. The fairing is designed to preserve the aerodynamic and stealth capability of the F-35. First activities start end of 2014 and this agreement in principle reaffirms Fokker's position as a strategic supplier in the F-35 program.

The agreement was signed by Kristi Mayfield, manager, Lockheed Martin F-35 the Netherlands, and Michiel van der Maat, Vice President Defense, Fokker Technologies at the NIDV Exhibition for Defence & Security in Rotterdam.

Hans Büthker CEO Fokker Technologies adds “We are proud that Lockheed Martin has selected Fokker for manufacturing of the drag chute fairing assembly. This component is a great addition to the F-35 work packages that are already awarded to Fokker. The partnership between our specialists and the Lockheed Martin team started in 2001 to produce complex in flight opening doors and is excellent. The F-35 program provides highly skilled work and has made a significant contribution to the development of knowledge and technology within Fokker and the Dutch Aerospace cluster”.