The end of July has seen the successful completion of a significant milestone on the F-35B. Having been declared fit for Initial Operating Capability (IOC) by the US Marine Corps, this is a noteworthy moment in the lifespan of the programme, with a squadron of 10 F-35Bs now ready for world-wide deployment.
The end of July has seen the successful completion of a
significant milestone on the F-35B. Having been declared fit for
Initial Operating Capability (IOC) by the US Marine Corps, this is
a noteworthy moment in the lifespan of the programme, with a
squadron of 10 F-35Bs now ready for world-wide deployment.
Here at Cobham, employees from across the business have worked
tirelessly to provide faultless products from tip to tail on the
F-35B.
On board every F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter is more than
100 Cobham components, including microwave systems, pilot survival
products and aerial refuelling equipment.
The future of Marine Corps tactical aviation, the F-35 will
eventually replace three legacy platforms: the AV 8B Harrier, the
F/A-18 Hornet, and the EA-6B Prowler.
"The success...is a reflection of the hard work and effort by the
Marines in the squadron, those involved in the program over many
years, and the support we have received from across the Department
of the Navy, the Joint Program Office, our industry partners, and
the Under Secretary of Defence. Achieving IOC has truly been a team
effort," commented General Joseph Dunford, Commandant of the Marine
Corps.
A thanks to all Cobham employees who have been a part of this
achievement, and are still and will continue to work towards
delivering excellent Cobham products for essential defence
platforms, such as the F-35.