Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Kaman delivers 80,000th rear fuselage packer to BAE Systems for F-35

Defence

Kaman delivers 80,000th rear fuselage packer to BAE Systems for F-35

Kaman UK has delivered its 80,000th rear fuselage packer to BAE Systems for its F-35 manufacturing programme.


Courtesy Kaman / Crown Copyright

Kaman UK has been supplying these parts since 2003. The rear fuselage packers and 1,000 plenum ducts, have been used in the manufacture of over 500 aircraft.

This is part of a long-term partnership between both companies for the manufacture and supply for multiple aircraft platforms such as Typhoon, Hawk, Tornado and Harrier AV-8B for a wide range of metallics, composites and ground support equipment. These include plenum ducts, chemical treatments, landing gear doors, rudders, over-wing panels, ailerons, blanking plugs, canopy removal tools and various other complex assemblies for wing and fuselage.

Advertisement
Leonardo RT

Kaman UK first began working with BAE Systems in 1951 under its predecessor company, English Electric Company. This covers a wide range of ongoing and legacy programmes such as Javelin, Buccaneer, Harrier and Tornado and today the Hawk and its variants, Typhoon and the F-35 (latter since 2003). Kaman manufactures and provides spare parts on these programmes via BAE Systems for air forces around the world.

Christopher Morris, Kaman UK’s Managing Director, said: “For decades BAE Systems has been a driving force for the aerospace manufacturing industry, providing the capability for the defence of this country. We are pleased that we have been able to support BAE Systems as it develops the aircraft for today and tomorrow which will guarantee the nation’s security and provide continued employment for thousands of engineers and support staff across the UK supply chain.”

“We are looking forward to continuing to supply parts and services for this aerospace and defence leader by investing in our technology, our people and our systems.”

Gary Crank, BAE Systems Air, US Programmes Procurement Executive: “BAE Systems is recognised around the world for its leading-edge manufacturing processes and the ability to innovate in defence and aerospace markets. To achieve this, we need suppliers that we can rely on in order to deliver against our commitments to our customers.

Advertisement
ODU RT

“Kaman is one of our suppliers who form part of our external supply chain, enabling us to deliver to our customers all over the world.”

Kaman UK has a 70-year history of technical breakthroughs and innovation which global aerospace clients rely on to deliver high performance component parts into their supply chain.


 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
Royal Navy establishes autonomous minesweeping capability

Defence

Royal Navy establishes autonomous minesweeping capability

4 July 2025

The Royal Navy has - for the first time - established an autonomous minesweeping capability, after new systems were delivered to help combat the rapidly evolving threat of naval mines.

Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

4 July 2025

Serco has appointed Keith Williams to the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair designate.

BAE Systems to continue developing AFRL

Defence

BAE Systems to continue developing AFRL's BATDOK

4 July 2025

The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has selected BAE Systems to continue development and support deployment of the Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Operations Kit (BATDOK) via the new Force Optimization through Rapid-prototyping, Gear Enhancements & Innovative Technology (FORGE-IT) programme.

Boeing appoints Stephen Parker as CEO of BDS

Defence Security Space

Boeing appoints Stephen Parker as CEO of BDS

3 July 2025

Boeing has appointed Stephen (Steve) Parker as president and chief executive officer of its Defense, Space & Security (BDS) business, effective immediately.

Advertisement
Teledyne
Lancashire aims at advancing cyber-enabled defence and security

Defence Security Events

Lancashire aims at advancing cyber-enabled defence and security

3 July 2025

Over 200 senior business leaders, investors, policymakers and academics from across the UK gathered this week at the Lancashire Cyber Festival to discuss Lancashire’s opportunity to become a global leader in cyber-enabled defence and security.

Airframe Designs aligns with US NCAMP standards

Aerospace Defence Security

Airframe Designs aligns with US NCAMP standards

3 July 2025

Airframe Designs has aligned its material systems with the US National Centre for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP) which works with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and industry partners to support its existing testing processes.

Advertisement
Leonardo RT