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Lockheed helps Japan restore F-2 fighter fleet

FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has delivered the first F-2 aft and leading edge flaps for restoration of Japan's F-2 fighter fleet to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The F-2, produced by Lockheed and Mitsubishi, is a multirole fighter. Eighteen were destroyed in 2011 when a typhoon struck the country.

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"We are honored to play a role in helping Japan's F-2 fighter regain its full mission capability," said Roderick McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Integrated Fighter Group. "The delivery of the F-2 aft and leading edge flaps is a milestone accomplishment our team is privileged to contribute to Japan's restoration path.

"We're honored to partner with [Mitsubishi] to provide critical F-2 components enhancing Japan's aerial defense backbone."

The F-2, with a speed of 1,330 knots and a combat range of 520 miles, first entered production in 1992. Mitsubishi was the prime contractor, with Lockheed as the principal U.S. sub-contractor.

Lockheed did not disclose how many aft and leading edge flaps it is producing for the fleet restoration plan.

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