David J. Barton
Northrop Grumman Corporation has signed an exclusive teaming agreement with KUKA Systems Corporation North America to help design the assembly line for the U.S. Air Force Trainer X program.
Northrop and KUKA Systems have also worked together on Northrop“™s F-35 Integrated Assembly Line in Palmdale, Calif.
“KUKA Systems is a world-class expert in assembly line design and automated systems as demonstrated by the F-35 Integrated Assembly Line, which has been recognized as a best in class aircraft assembly line,“ said Marc Lindsley, T-X capture lead at Northrop Grumman.
Northrop said its IAL is vital to the production of the F-35“™s center fuselage, providing additional capacity and assembly capability through robotics and automation.
Northrop expects its assembly line to increase the program“™s affordability, quality and efficiency.
“Together, we and Northrop Grumman make a strong team with a strong case for winning the T-X program,“ said Robert Reno, group vice president of Aerospace Division at KUKA Systems.
Northrop Grumman is also the manufacturing partner of BAE Systems“™ Hawk Advanced Jet Training System (AJTS) for the T-X program.
“Northrop Grumman“™s efforts toward manufacturing innovation add to our team“™s extremely strong position as an aerospace leader,“ said Robert Wood, vice president and lead for BAE Systems Hawk Advanced Jet Training System.
BAE Systems is also a key manufacturing partner for the F-35 airframe and provides technology and support to the F-35 program.
