The F-35 joint strike fighter (JSF) programme will receive fifth-generation composite components through a long-term contract between Northrop Grumman and Kongsberg.
Kongsberg has been selected as the strategic partner for the JSF programme by Northrop Grumman, a principal partner of the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 industry team.
The JSF programme will be sustained by the US Air Force and eight US allies that intend to purchase the fighter once successfully developed.
The $72m contract involves the manufacture of highly complex carbon fibre components that will need close tolerance fabrication to meet the performance parameters of the F-35.
The composites supplier has received F-35 special process approvals required for the production of F-35 hardware.
The composite components deal has a potential of $392m for the duration of the F-35 programme.
