Aerojet delivers last F-22 forward boom

SACRAMENTO, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The last F-22 Raptor forward boom has been shipped to Boeing by AeroJet of California, completing the 10th procurement lot in 17 years.

Aerojet has been under contract to the Boeing Co. on the F-22 Raptor air dominance fighter program since 1993 and has delivered 394 booms.

The forward boom is a structural component providing wing, engine and horizontal tail attach points to carry much of the F-22 aft fuselage load.

Using the EB weld process, Aerojet joins numerous titanium components together into a single monolithic structure meeting precise tolerances. The company, a subsidiary of GenCorp, said the result is a significant reduction in the need for fasteners and possible fuel leaks. It also reduces weight, simplifies assembly and lowers cost.

"Having delivered the highest-quality hardware on time for more than 17 years is a testament to Aerojet's commitment to operational excellence and to our customer," said Aerojet Vice President and Deputy to the President, Dick Bregard. "We are proud to have had the opportunity to support Boeing, Lockheed and the U.S. Air Force through these many years of F-22 production."