World's most advanced jet's fuselages now delivered every 30 hours

Northrop Grumman has significantly advanced the manufacturing of the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet by employing cutting-edge technologies at its Integrated Assembly Line (IAL) in Palmdale, California. The IAL produces the center fuselage—a critical airframe component common to all three F-35 variants—at an impressive rate of one every 30 hours. This component includes key features such as the bifurcated inlet system, internal weapons bay, fuel reservoir, and inflight operating doors, all essential to the aircraft’s stealth and operational capabilities. To date, over 1,400 center fuselages have been delivered, supporting both U.S. and international customers. The IAL is described as one of the most advanced military aircraft manufacturing facilities, integrating robotics, automation, and data-driven analytics to enhance production quality and efficiency while maintaining tight engineering tolerances. The facility handles all F-35 variants on a single line and incorporates technologies like automated guided vehicles, robotic drilling, and mold-in