SAMLESBURY, England, Sept. 16 (UPI)
A titanium manufacturing machine that brings new precision in the making of components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been introduced by BAE Systems-UK.
The machine, known as a StarragHeckert BTP5000, is able to produce titanium components more than 3 yards long to tolerances that equate to one-third the thickness of a human hair.
The components are used in the manufacture of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the rear section of which is built at Samlesbury, England, by BAE Systems before shipment to Lockheed Martin in the United States.
The precise tolerances delivered by the new machine ensure that the outer shape of the F-35 matches exacting standards needed to manufacture an aircraft that meets required stealth capability.
The machine features twin spindles and is capable of machining two parts at the same time. At peak rate production, aircraft sets will be produced at a rate of one a day.
The initial concept for the machine came from a discussion between BAE Systems and StarragHeckert machine tools, BAE Systems said.
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