ATK producing F-35 composite components

MINNEAPOLIS, May 3 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has contracted ATK of Minnesota to produce composite components for low-rate production of F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.

ATK said the $110 million award covers multiple components for low-rate initial production Lots 5 through 9.

Under the terms of the contract, ATK will use advanced hand lay-up processing techniques to manufacture upper, fixed-aft skins for both the carrier variant and short-takeoff/vertical landing variant, upper access covers on the CV and conventional takeoff and landing variant and the upper access center covers for the STOVL variant.

Production will take place at ATK's Clearfield, Utah, facility through 2015.

"This contract award confirms our commitment to providing Lockheed Martin with the highest quality composite structures affordably and on time," said Joy de Lisser, vice president and general manager of the Aerospace Structures division of ATK Aerospace Systems.

ATK said it began F-35 production in October 2002 with a System Design and Development contract for 19 ship sets of the one-piece, 35-foot composite upper wing skin. The company has delivered over 850 wing skin components to date through LRIP Lot 4.

During this contract the company will increase production rates from three ship sets per month to more than eight ship sets per month.