Smiths Group's Interconnect subsidiary has been selected by Lockheed
Martin Aeronautics to supply its Times Microwave Broadband Airborne
Cable Assemblies for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The contract
is potentially valued in excess of $500 million over the life
of the program. The high-performance cable assemblies are designed
to handle high-speed data in extreme avionics environments, including
wide variations in temperature and pressure. Delivery of the first
set is planned for early 2004. Production of the F-35 is scheduled
to commence in 2006, continuing until 2026. Additional Smiths
contracts on the JSF include combined systems in electronics,
actuation, engine components and aircraft structures.
