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.
The LTA provides framework under which Quickstep will manufacture Group 2 JSF components until 2020.
