Lockheed Martin delivers 200th F-35 electro-optical targeting system

Lockheed Martin has delivered the 200th Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) for the F-35 Lightning II. All 200 systems have been delivered on time or ahead of schedule for aircraft integration.

Lockheed Martin is delivering F-35 EOTS under Low-Rate Initial Production contracts with a total of 367 systems ordered to date. Planned production quantities for the F-35 exceed 3,000 aircraft with deliveries through 2030.

"This milestone demonstrates the growing maturity of the F-35 EOTS production line and our preparedness to meet aggressive delivery schedules as the F-35 Lightning II program approaches full-rate production," said Jerry Arlow, F-35 EOTS program director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

F-35 EOTS also received a low-risk rating in its Production Readiness Review, which was conducted in October 2015 by the F-35 Joint Program Office. The review assesses a program's implemented strategies to reach and sustain full-rate production requirements.

The F-35 EOTS is the world's first sensor to combine forward-looking infrared and infrared search and track functionality to provide F-35 pilots with precise air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting capability. EOTS allows aircrews to identify areas of interest, perform reconnaissance and precisely deliver laser- and GPS-guided weapons while maintaining a stealthy profile.

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Three distinct variants of the F-35 will replace the A-10 and F-16 for the U.S. Air Force, the F/A-18 for the U.S. Navy, the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the U.S. Marine Corps, and a variety of fighters for at least 10 other countries.