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Aerospace manufacturer Kaman UK (Darwen, U.K.) reported on March 16 that it has delivered its 80,000th rear fuselage packer to BAE Systems (Farnborough, U.K.) for its F-35 manufacturing program. 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 more than 500 aircraft, Kaman reports.

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. Kaman UK first began working with BAE Systems in 1951 under its predecessor company, English Electric Co.  

“For decades, BAE Systems has been a driving force for the aerospace manufacturing industry, providing the capability for the defense 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 U.K. supply chain,” says Christopher Morris, Kaman UK’s managing director.

“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,” says Gary Crank, BAE Systems Air, US Programmes Procurement executive.