The US Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Lockheed Martin a $334 million fixed-price-incentive advance acquisition contract for long lead components for the eighth production lot of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.
The low-rate initial production Lot VIII buy consists of 19 conventional take-off and landing F-35As for the US Air Force, six F-35B short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) jets for the US Marine Corps and four US Navy F-35 carrier variant aircraft. Also included are four STOVL aircraft for the UK and two F-35A-model fighters for Norway.
Out of the $335 million total value of the deal, the USAF's share is $155 million. The USN and USMC are chipping in $27 million and $85 million respectively. The UK is paying $45 million, while Norway will contribute $21 million.
Work on the contract is expected to be completed by February 2014.
Source: Flight International
