Hello everyone and welcome back to the Fluctus Channel.
Referred to as the most advanced combat jet on the planet, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning Ii was designed to fly as a multi-role fighter aircraft, versatile enough to execute a wide range of mission types, including air superiority, ground attack and reconnaissance.
This 5th generation fighter jet incorporates more Advanced Technologies, such as improved sensors and Communications, as well as Network Centric Warfare capabilities.
Though the program proved far more expensive than initially estimated, it resulted in three variations of the F-35, all of which boasts unique capabilities and advantages.
Perhaps most notable of these is the F-35b, which is capable of both short and vertical takeoffs and landings thanks to an additional engine behind the cockpit.
Though Lockheed Martin is the credited designer and manufacturer of the F-35, its competitor, Northrop Grumman, also plays a critical role in the production of the plane integrated assembly line, or Ial.
This Palmdale, California facility produces the center fuselage of the F-35.
It does so using highly Advanced Technologies and processes.
For instance, the factory features high levels of automation throughout its various work cells.
This allows the Northrop Grumman team to assemble each part of the aircraft efficiently, affordably and with high precision.
The production line utilizes everything from robotics to laser-guided measurement systems to state-of-the-art tooling equipment at all stages of the process.
Aside from creating the fuselage, the Ial also produces the f-35’s radar, Electro Optical avionics and communication subsystems.
Perhaps one of the most Innovative features of the Ial is its use of projection Works technology.
This actually uses lasers to project instructions directly onto the fuselage, assuring that mechanics and assembly professionals know exactly which Fastener to use at each of the thousands of assembly points.
Single Innovation is predicted to save the company more than 100 million dollars.
Though such advancements may seem like small steps forward, they set new standards for producing aircraft worldwide.
Foreign companies will be able to build upon these accomplishments so that they can continue to reduce costs and production times while creating a more advanced end product.
The B variation of the F-35 was specifically designed for use by Marines abort amphibious assault ships.
For this reason, it boasts vertical and short takeoff and Landing capabilities.
This is achieved via a lift fan mounted behind the cockpit.
This fan rotates downward, providing thrust that helps push the F-35 up, not unlike a helicopter, is supported by a swiveling rear exhaust nozzle that can direct the main engine thrust downward as well, providing additional lift to the rear of the aircraft.
Once the plane is Airborne, the lift fan is turned off and the main engine exhaust nozzle slowly assumes a forward thrust position for conventional flight.
Thank you.
When it comes to military transport aircraft used by the military outside the Us, the Airbus A400M, developed by Airbus defense in space, proves to be a versatile contender.
Though Airbus is generally known for making commercial planes, it also manufactures and sells a variety of aircraft for use by the German, French, Spanish and British Air Forces.
400m, designated the Atlas, is one of the newest of these military crafts, having just been introduced in 2013.
Its 148 feet long and 48 feet high, boasting a wingspan of just over 139 feet.
Though it’s quite similar to much other military cargo craft and size and purpose, it features Advanced avionics, improved range and performance and some of the most efficient turboprop engines in the World- foreign.
Of course, producing an advanced aircraft like this demands an equally Advanced production facility.
The primary A400M production line is located in Sevilla, Spain, but there are also facilities in Bremen, Germany and other parts of Europe.
Airbus is known for manufacturing components and parts at multiple factories and then delivering these semi-completed sections for final assembly.
As such, the production process to create a single A400M involves the integration of parts and systems from dozens of suppliers across the continent.
These include engines from Europrop International, wings from the Uk and sections of fuselage from Spain, Germany and France.
The A400M production line in Sevilla is designed to accommodate the Assembly of multiple aircraft simultaneously.
Altogether, the paint shop, assembly station and testing facilities cover more than 200 000 square meters.
