Fokker Aerostructures Completes First Demonstration Article for Lockheed Martin JSF Program
FORT WORTH, Texas--- Fokker Aerostructures, B.V., a division of Stork Aerospace in the Netherlands, completed the first in a series of demonstration articles for the Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Advanced Affordability Initiative (AAI) program.
Lockheed Martin accepted the thermoplastic composite engine access cover in ceremonies here at the end of October. Production of this part under AAI validates design and production of a full-scale component. Data gathered during production confirmed the schedule and cost savings compared to using traditional engineering and manufacturing equipment and processes. Preliminary analysis indicates a 30 percent cost savings compared to the baseline manufacturing method.
"Fokker provided technology we did not have, and they produced a flawless product,'' said Kenneth F. Taylor, director of the JSF AAI program at Lockheed Martin. "This was a total design and build effort for them, including engineering analysis.''
The thermoplastic process for producing carbon-fiber composite structures is an evolving technology that requires fewer steps and is less expensive compared to the more traditional thermoset and other processes. Also, the thermoplastic process allows reheating and reforming of the component in case of unacceptable flaws; whereas, flawed thermostets cannot be reformed and must be scrapped.
The engine access panel measures approximately 7-1/2 by 2 feet and weighs 21 pounds. The panel includes stiffeners that were co-cured, making it all one part. "This engine access panel is an exceptional piece of work,'' said Frank J. Cappuccio, vice president and program manager of the Lockheed Martin JSF team. "Fokker is a model of what we are looking for in our long-term international industrial relationships.''
The Netherlands is one of 10 countries currently participating in the U.S- led JSF program and is participating as an "associate partner.'' The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs is supporting early participation in the JSF program. "The Netherlands is one of the first JSF partners to be involved from an industrial standpoint, and Stork companies are leading the way for the Dutch aerospace industry,'' Cappuccio added.
Kees de Koning, president of Fokker Aerostructures, said, "We have more than 20 years of experience in working on the very successful F-16 program. In the beginning, Lockheed Martin, and its predecessors, challenged us by raising the standards in advanced technology, affordability and quality. Now, they are challenging us again by significantly raising the standards for the JSF. We accept these challenges in order to prosper in a very competitive global aerospace industry.''
Kees Blekxtoon, president of Stork International, affirmed the corporation's commitment to continual involvement in the F-16 program and active participation in the JSF program.
Fokker Aerostructures is designing and building three other major JSF structural components for the Lockheed Martin AAI program: the horizontal tail, weapons bay sidewall and a wing box. All of these are expected to be delivered in the next few months. Another Stork subsidiary, Fokker Elmo, is also participating and will demonstrate the latest electrical component technology in three articles: a wing harness assembly, electrical power panels and a modular electrical systems assembly.
"This is a win-win situation,'' said Dain M. Hancock, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin's Aeronautical Systems business area. "The Dutch industry is able to demonstrate some of their leading-edge technologies, and we are able to access the most affordable approaches for our JSF design. Both of us are gaining experience, substantiating it with data and will be able to provide credible proposals next year.''
Lockheed Martin received one of two JSF Concept Demonstration contracts awarded by the Department of Defense in November 1996. The Lockheed Martin JSF team includes Northrop Grumman and British Aerospace. Flight evaluation of the demonstrator aircraft is scheduled to take place in 2000, with government selection of a single contractor for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase set for 2001.
-ends-
Fokker Aerostructures Completes First Demonstration Article for Lockheed Martin JSF Program
