, Fokker Elmo, a Stork Aerospace company, and Lockheed Martin have signed a Memorandum of Agreement identifying Fokker Elmo as the supplier of wiring harnesses for the F-35 Lightning II.
Under the terms of the agreement, Fokker Elmo will provide production capabilities, support and sustaining engineering during the aircraft's Low Rate Initial Production Phase and both companies agreed to jointly work together to further bring to fruition all the best values from the unique Total Integrated Wiring System solution, to support the Full Rate Production phase of the F-35 program.
With a potential value up to US$ 2 billion, this agreement represents the largest Dutch industrial cooperation agreement to date on the Joint Strike Fighter program. The signing ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Mrs. Maria van der Hoeven, the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs.
Lockheed Martin and Fokker Elmo are working jointly on a Total Integrated Wiring System (TIWS) solution which includes wiring management, configuration management, procurement and logistics, product support, set-up and management of all wiring production, and manufacturing of complex wiring harnesses both in the Netherlands and in the global supply chain, including Fokker Elmo's facility in Turkey. This single-focal-point approach will provide the best value to the program, achieve F-35 affordability goals and safeguard the timely delivery of the wiring harnesses around the globe.
During the development phase, Fokker Elmo's proprietary innovative system for developing, managing and producing complex wiring systems has translated into world-class performance. Lockheed Martin agreed to utilize Fokker Elmo's advanced toolset in order to continue tight collaboration between design and manufacturing functions and to allow for maximum savings potential within the TIWS concept. The agreement represents one of the most important growth factors for Fokker Elmo. It reinforces the company's market position with a positive impact on the employment.
Fokker Elmo is a Stork Aerospace operating company and internationally recognized as a prime specialist in electrical interconnection systems for aircraft and aircraft engines. The company holds a number two market position, owning facilities in the Netherlands, Turkey, USA, and China. Lockheed Martin and Fokker Elmo have a longstanding relationship starting early in 1980 with the design and production of wiring harnesses for the F-16. Fokker Elmo was selected in 2003 for the development and prototype manufacturing of the wiring system for the F-35 development phase.
Jan Lagasse, President of Fokker Elmo, said: “Based upon a visionary policy of the Dutch government in 1996 and 2002, we have been able to prove that our innovative processes and technology truly add value to the F-35 JSF Program. This positioned us to be selected as the wiring manufacturing partner by Lockheed Martin for the F-35 production phase. I am extremely proud that together we have been able to grow a successful relationship and that my company can continue to contribute to this successful program.”
Erick Vink, Executive Vice President of Stork Aerospace and president of the NIFARP, the industry body representing companies involved in the JSF program, commented:” This agreement is a major milestone in the involvement of the Dutch aerospace industry in the development and production of the F-35. Right now, about 80 companies in the Netherlands are involved in the program. This contract shows again that we can consider the F-35 JSF program a success for The Netherlands”.
Tom Burbage, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and general manager of F-35 Program Integration, said, “This agreement is an example of the very best our F-35 partnerships have to offer in terms of technology, quality and affordability. It is a benefit to the entire program as we continue the transition from design to production.”
Stork Aerospace, part of Stork B.V., develops and produces advanced structures and electrical systems for the aviation and aerospace industry, and supplies integrated services and products to aircraft owners and operators. The group achieved a turnover of EUR 553 million in 2007 with 3,636 employees out of the total Stork turnover of EUR 2.173 billion. Stork Aerospace is also involved in the design, development, and manufacturing of the In-flight Opening Doors, the Weapon Bay Door, the Flaperons, Arresting Gear, F135 engine wiring and F135 Static Structure and Sync Ring of the JSF program.
Stork Aerospace
