Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
Lockheed Martin has announced plans to tie-up with Airbus Industrie and the Honeywell/Cat Logistics Alliance to provide a product support network for its Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme contender.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus, first revealed by Flight International (30 May - 6 June), covers several areas including support systems and process development for JSF. It is expected to lead to a wider relationship between the US company and the European consortium.
"The type of international support network Airbus uses for its commercial aircraft would benefit our JSF as it is deployed around the world," says Frank Cappuccio, Lockheed Martin JSF programme manager. "Our partnership with Airbus provides unique commercial expertise on the Lockheed Martin team at a critical time in the JSF's development."
A key component in JSF affordability is the proposed elimination of depot level maintenance and a just-in-time worldwide supply chain. Talks with Airbus have also included regional warehousing of parts, supply management and commercial sources of repair.
The MoU with Honeywell/Cat Alliance is also focused on product support and supply chain management. It appears to be primarily targeted at the US Department of Defense with the aim of "providing a totally integrated logistics, technical and product support solution for the JSF programme," says Cat Logistic president Bill Springer.
Source: Flight International
