INDIAN ARMED FORCES CHIEFS ON OUR RELENTLESS AND FOCUSED PUBLISHING EFFORTS

The insightful articles, inspiring narrations and analytical perspectives presented by the Editorial Team, establish an alluring connect with the reader. My compliments and best wishes to SP Guide Publications.

— General Upendra Dwivedi, Indian Army Chief

"Over the past 60 years, the growth of SP Guide Publications has mirrored the rising stature of Indian Navy. Its well-researched and informative magazines on Defence and Aerospace sector have served to shape an educated opinion of our military personnel, policy makers and the public alike. I wish SP's Publication team continued success, fair winds and following seas in all future endeavour!"

— Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Indian Navy Chief

Since, its inception in 1964, SP Guide Publications has consistently demonstrated commitment to high-quality journalism in the aerospace and defence sectors, earning a well-deserved reputation as Asia's largest media house in this domain. I wish SP Guide Publications continued success in its pursuit of excellence.

— Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Indian Air Force Chief

       

 

Lockheed expands F-35 component facility in Florida

Issue No. 5 | March 01-15, 2012

Lockheed Martin’s operation in Pinellas Park officially opened a new 57,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to produce aircraft canopy components for the F-35 Lighting II fighter.

The new facility is an annex to Lockheed Martin’s existing 1,97,000 square-foot building that has been producing structural components for more than 10 different types of aircraft since 1997. The operation began with 80 employees and has since grown to its current workforce of 250, with additional jobs expected as the F-35 programme moves towards peak production. The expanded facility can support production of up to 20 F-35 canopy units a month.

In remarks at the event, Harry Glenn, chief of staff for US Rep. Bill Young, chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, said, “The Lockheed Martin Pinellas facility has distinguished itself with its quality, safety and efficiency and has become a centre of excellence for the manufacturing of F-35 canopies.”

Aircraft canopy components include the “windshield” of the aircraft – a clear plastic bubble – and the frame, ejection pyrotechnics and other structures that support it.