Cytec expects the contract extension, which covers the period from 2016 to 2020, to generate revenues of approximately US$1.1 billion.
The JSF is the US Department of Defense's next-generation strike aircraft. The F-35 is a supersonic, multi-role fighter designed to replace AV-8B Harriers, A-10s, F-16s, F/A-18 Hornets and UK Harrier GR.7s and Sea Harriers. The JSF is approximately 42% composite by weight.
Cytec supplies more than 50 products to the JSF programme, including:
- CYCOM® 5250-4, a bismaleimide (BMI) prepreg system known for performance at high temperatures;
- industry standard CYCOM 977-3, a toughened epoxy resin prepreg system; and
- FM 309-1, a lightning strike protection surfacing film.
"Building on our long history of success on military programmes such as the F/A-18E/F & G, F-22, C-17 and Global Hawk, Cytec's scientists and engineers worked closely with Lockheed Martin and its subcontractors to develop engineered material solutions to meet the JSF programme's extremely demanding requirements," says Bill Wood, president of Cytec's Engineered Materials business unit. "Through a collaborative approach, these solutions have been optimised to provide the right balance of performance and affordability."
