Fokker To Deliver Wing Components To Lockheed Martin's F-35

Fokker announced Tuesday that it has signed an agreement worth $10 million with Lockheed Martin for delivering the Flaperons and Outboard Leading Edge Flaps(OELF) on the next batches of F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

The F-35's Flaperons are 3 metre long flaps on the wing trailing edges and the OLEF are flaps on the wing leading edges, both vital for the controllability of the aircraft.

The design is based on the low maintenance combination of composite and titanium with a better resistance to fatigue and corrosion.

“The selection for the follow-on production orders  is a very important step. This order will secure employment for around 100 employees, a figure that will be doubled if the total production order is received.”

Maxime Verhagen the Netherlands’ Special Envoy for industrial participation said, "28 Dutch companies are already directly involved in the F-35 program and probably over 100 more as subcontractor. This selection is an achievement and shows the success of a focused approach.”

Minister of Economic Affairs Henk Kamp stated: “The production and sustainment of the F-35 provides opportunities for Dutch industries and employment in the high tech segment of our economy. With this selection by Lockheed Martin Fokker proves to have excellent abilities to substantially participate in this program.”