16 July 2003

Tom Burbage, Lockheed Martin Executive Vice President & General Manager, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, who formally opened the facility commented, "One hundred years after the first powered manned flight, we are witnessing the dawn of a new era in aviation - one in which aircraft take off in a short distance, accelerate to sustained supersonic speeds, and return to earth by landing vertically. It's a feat that was unimaginable when airplanes first took to the skies, but one that this facility will ensure happens safely time after time. We are proud of our international F-35 partners who are helping us realize the dream, and particularly the U.K. team members who are bringing this facility to life today."

Smiths Aerospace Group Managing Director, John Ferrie added, "Our combined integrated systems in electronics, actuation, engine components and aircraft structures offer unique solutions for the F-35. The overall programme will bring greater value to F-35 customers through the use of common test systems tailored to each supplier's requirements. "