NORTH COOGEE, Australia, July 25 (UPI) -- Australia's Quickstep Holdings Ltd. has been contracted to manufacture parts for the international F-35 Lightning II aircraft.
The purchase order is Quickstep's first for the Joint Strike Fighter program.
The Purchase Order covers production of Group 1 components for the F-35 over the next 12 months, as scheduled under a long-term agreement Quickstep signed with principal F-35 subcontractor Northrop Grumman in February.
Details on the value and scope of the contract weren't disclosed.
Quickstep, an advanced materials company said the contract was awarded after it passed its Tollgate review set by Northrop Grumman, which required Quickstep to demonstrate production readiness for F-35 Group 1 part manufacturing.
"This order for the F-35 components represents Quickstep's first aerospace global supply chain manufacturing contract -- a huge achievement for the company following a long and arduous qualification process," said Quickstep Managing Director Philippe Odouard.
"Quickstep's LTA to manufacture Group 1 parts contemplates a 20-year production timeline, representing a long-term income stream for the company."
Under the framework established in the LTA, Quickstep is to deliver the first F-35 Lightning II parts in 2012. The company will supply a variety of F-35 components, including a large number of composite doors and panels.
In parallel with Group 1 part manufacturing Quickstep is undertaking the qualification process to enable the company to manufacture Group 2 and Group 3 F-35 components.
