Fokker Technologies, a division of GKN Aerospace, signed an agreement today with Northrop Grumman Corporation for the delivery of the in-flight opening doors for the F-35 Lightning II (JSF). The contract is valued at approximately €100 million.

The agreement was signed at the NIDV Symposium in Rotterdam. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Mr. Maxime Verhagen, former deputy Prime-Minister of the Netherlands and currently the Dutch Special Envoy Industrial Participation F-35 Program. Under this agreement, Fokker will be responsible for the manufacture of the in-flight opening doors for the next batch of aircraft in low rate initial production lots 10 and 11.

This agreement continues the very successful current arrangement through the previous low rate initial production lots, with potential opportunities to continue for the full rate production phases. This agreement reaffirms Fokker's position as a strategic supplier in the F-35 program and helps secure skilled specialist work at Fokker Technologies in Hoogeveen and Papendrecht (Netherlands) and its supply base over the coming years.

“We are very pleased with the success of our long-term relationship with Northrop Grumman. We are especially proud that our successful co-operation in the F-35 program was recognized by awarding contracts for the next F-35 production batches. This also emphasizes the success of the F-35 JSF industrial participation in the Netherlands”, said Hans Büthker, CEO of Fokker Technologies. “The enthusiasm of Fokker Technologies employees about our contribution to the F-35 and the teamwork with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin is enormous. The agreements demonstrate the willingness, trust and commitment of our partners to use our unique capabilities and services.”

“Fokker has been an outstanding supplier to Northrop Grumman's F-35 program for many years,” said Brian Chappel, vice president and F-35 program manager, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. “They have consistently responded rapidly to design changes, provided the tools and people needed to support program growth, and delivered their products on time.”

Fokker Technologies has been a part of the F-35 program since 2002 and has produced and delivered electrical wiring interconnection systems, flaperons, in-flight opening doors, engine parts, arresting gear for F-35 aircraft that are currently flying and in production. Fokker Technologies also announced today the follow-on development contract for the composite drag brace of the F-35 landing Gear.