Northrop Grumman has chosen Nordam (Hall 2 Stand C60) to manufacture major structural components of the F-35 center fuselage. Through this agreement, the three new components produced by Nordam will be made entirely from composite materials. In addition, the manufacturer’s Nacelle & Thrust Reverser Systems (NTR) division will supply Northrop Grumman up to 35 ship-sets per year for six years.

Northrop Grumman already produces the radar, electro-optical, avionics and communications subsystems for the F-35. The company also develops mission systems and mission planning software, maintains pilot and maintainer training systems courseware and manages the team’s use, support and maintenance.

NTR v-p and general manager John Clawson said he believes producing the new components for the F-35 will create approximately 20 months of build-up activity and the addition of nearly 20 related positions before full production is started.

Nordam CEO Meredith Siegfried Madden said, “Assembly of the center fuselage begins with the parts that Nordam will manufacture. There was a lot of competition for this contract, but among other factors, our many years of experience in composites and complex bonding and layup, coupled with our niche expertise in automated fiber placement (AFP) processing, secured the deal.”