Quickstep secures second JSF parts deal

Quickstep, an Australian-based advanced composites manufacturer has secured a second Long Term Agreement (LTA) with Northrop Grumman Corporation to manufacture parts for the international F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program.

The LTA covers production of Group 2 JSF components until 2020, and follows the LTA signed in February 2011 for Group 1 JSF components, for which manufacturing is now underway. 

Group 2 parts represent more complex aircraft components, including portions of the main F-35 structure and supports. 

The signing of the LTA follows Quickstep’s successful completion of a qualification process to demonstrate production readiness for the manufacture of Group 2 parts.

Managing Director of Quickstep, Philippe Odouard, said the securing of a second LTA with Northrop Grumman represented a further endorsement of the Company’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

“Through our production of Group 1 JSF parts, Quickstep has confirmed its ability to successfully undertake advanced aerospace manufacturing contracts and feed into Northrop Grumman’s international supply chain for the F-35 project,” Philippe said. 

To date, Quickstep has met – and in many cases outperformed – all JSF delivery deadlines. 

The Group 2 LTA represents the second in a series of three agreements which will implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in November 2009.

Quickstep expects to secure the third and final LTA to manufacture Group 3 JSF parts later this year.