BAE Systems Samlesbury F-35 Production Facility
Samlesbury, Lancashire, UK · 2012-Present · £150m (initial investment in new facility)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe £150m investment in a new manufacturing facility demonstrates the UK's critical role in the F-35 global supply chain. - BAE Systems' involvement in the F-35 program highlights its expertise in advanced military aerospace manufacturing and its strategic partnership with Lockheed Martin. - The use of advanced robotics and machining showcases efforts to drive efficiency and precision in defense manufacturing.
Key engineering challenges
Manufacturing complex, stealthy rear fuselage sections for a 5th-generation fighter jet. - Implementing advanced robotics and superfine machining for cost-effective production. - Maintaining stringent quality and security standards for military aircraft components. - Integrating into a global supply chain for the F-35 program.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- BAE Systems (as part of the F-35 program with Lockheed Martin)
- Lead contractor
- BAE Systems
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- new build | upgrade
- Scale
- Produces rear fuselage for every F-35; over 1,500 employees involved in F-35 production at Samlesbury.
- Disciplines
- aerospace engineering; manufacturing engineering; mechanical; structural; systems; robotics
- Standards & frameworks
- Defense and aerospace industry standards
Sources: BAE Systems (Mar 2012, https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/extended-f35-military-jet-manufacturing-facility-opened) - BAE Systems (Feb 2023, https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/bae-systems-achieves-major-milestone-for-world-s-largest-defence-programme) - F-35.com (https://www.f35.com/f35/about/F-35-Partners.html) - The Manufacturer (May 2017, https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/bae-systems-behind-the-scenes-of-the-f-35-fighter/)