Marand wins new F-35 contract

A supplied image of the first F-35 assembled with Marand's vertical tails. (Lockheed Martin) — Marand already supplies F-35 vertical tails.

Melbourne-based Marand has won a contract from Lockheed Martin for the detailed design and manufacture of training technology for the F-35 Lightning II, following on from the company’s work manufacturing vertical tails, aerostructures tooling and the engine installation and removal trailer.

The privately-owned Australian company stated that it will be designing the fuselage assembly for the Engine and Lift Fan Removal and Installation Trainer (ELFRIT).

The initial trainer will be delivered to the US and is set to be used to train maintenance crews in the precision tasks of removing and installing engines and lift fans; further examples might be required at major sustainment bases worldwide, according to Marand.

The company expects to complete the design phase in mid-2017 and to deliver the first unit in late 2018.

“Marand has been an extraordinary performer in the global F-35 program already, manufacturing the F-35 vertical tails, being the original equipment manufacturer for the complex F-35 engine trailer, supplying thousands of production tools, and now sole supplier for the ELFRIT,” said Air Vice-Marshal Leigh Gordon, Head Joint Strike Fighter within the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG).