BAE SYSTEMS Hits The Target With The Design And Delivery Of The First Laser System For F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
24 Feb 2005
BAE Systems Avionics at Crewe Toll Edinburgh has successfully designed and delivered the first laser system for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) underpinning key UK collaboration on this major US programme.
The laser, part of a major contract awarded to BAE Systems Avionics by Lockheed Martin in late 2003, was presented to representatives from Lockheed Martin at a special handover celebration at the Edinburgh site on Wednesday 23rd February.
Achieving delivery to schedule of the initial laser for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has involved meeting a very challenging 14 month programme of work.
The laser designator and range receiver supplied by BAE Systems Avionics embodies state of the art technology in high performance tactical laser design and addresses the F-35 production goals of performance and affordability.
The laser system will be integrated into the F-35s Electro Optical Targeting System (EOTS), providing a precision range measurement and a laser guided weapon designation capability.
The current contract for the design and development of the lasers is expected to result in a production contract for several thousand lasers for F-35 at the world class facility at Crewe Toll, Edinburgh with manufacturing expected to begin in 2006.
Nick Franks, Group Managing Director BAE Systems Avionics said This milestone on the JSF laser programme is testimony to the close collaboration between the programme teams of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (LMMFC) and BAE Systems Avionics.
The design of the F-35 laser by BAE Systems Avionics is manufactured in the companys new Laser Centre of Excellence at Crewe Toll in Edinburgh that builds on BAE Systems laser design expertise of more than 30 years.
The facility is custom designed to employ manufacturing best practice within an open and flexible clean space of over 4,000 square feet certified to International Standards Organisation (ISO) Class 8 together with specialised laminar flow optical workstations to an ultra-clean standard of ISO Class 5.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, fighting vehicles, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 12 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.
BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.
About BAE SYSTEMS Avionics:
BAE Systems Avionics is one of Europe's leading avionics companies, and the UK' s foremost supplier of electronic systems for military platforms in the air, at sea and on land. With its head office at Basildon in the UK, the Avionics organisation has major sites in southern England and Scotland. The Group employs 4,900 people.
For further information, please contact:
Jane Macfarlane, External Communications Manager, BAE Systems Avionics Group
Tel: +44 (0) 131 343 8993 Mob: +44 (0) 7736 810172
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