Northrop Grumman delivers 1,500th F-35 centre fuselage from Palmdale

The use of automated AR and VR tools has helped to reduce build time and training ramp-up on a production line supporting all three aircraft variants.

Northrop Grumman has delivered the 1,500th centre fuselage for the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter from its Integrated Assembly Line in Palmdale, California. Using advanced manufacturing methods, the facility now completes one centre fuselage every 30 hours.

The line supports all three variants of the F-35 and benefits from automation and mixed-reality technologies. Augmented and virtual reality tools have cut assembly time by 35 per cent and reduced the technician learning curve by 20 per cent.

Northrop Grumman is a core member of the F-35 industry team, with responsibilities including the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, the integrated communications, navigation and identification system, wing skins and low observable technologies. It also supports global sustainment for the F-35 fleet.