BELLEVIEW, Wash., April 1 (UPI) -- Low-observable and sealing materials for the U.S. military's F-35 stealth fighter are being provided by a California unit of Esterline Corp.
Esterline said the contract for the materials was given by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and is worth more than $190 million.
"Our cutting-edge technology is part of the unique blend of materials that will help the F-35 Lightning maintain air dominance whenever it is called upon," said Rick Gentle, president of Esterline Engineered Materials. "We look forward to continuing our longstanding relationship with Lockheed Martin and their domestic and international partners."
The agreement covers the low-rate production phase of the F-35 program, currently estimated to include 596 aircraft to be produced through 2017.
Esterline Chief Executive Officer Brad Lawrence said that, in addition to engineered materials, Esterline supplies the F-35 program with a variety of other technical solutions, ranging from specialized sensors and systems to avionics and controls.
"All told," Lawrence said, "the Joint Strike Fighter is a significant program for Esterline with dollar content per aircraft currently exceeding $800,000."
Two Esterline Engineered Materials locations -- Kirkhill Elastomers in Brea, Calif., and TA Aerospace in Valencia, Calif. -- will participate in meeting the requirements of the contract. Their products are the solution of choice for a wide range of sealing, clamping, thermal and fire barrier protection and low-observable technology, Esterline said.
