General Dynamics Mission Systems delivers 1,000th F-35 nose radome

On July 9, the General Dynamics Mission Systems Airborne Composites & Structures (Marion, Va., U.S.) team recognized the delivery of the 1.000^th F-35 nose radome. The radomes are installed on airplanes belonging to the U.S Marines, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and a growing list of foreign military partners (read “Skinning the F-35 fighter,” and “Fighter jet development and the "need" for the F-35”).

The radome is a critical component that enables the F-35 mission as a survivable and connected aircraft for global security in the 21^st century. These radomes protect the airplane’s radar antennas while also enhancing its navigation and communications capabilities.

“Our team is proud of the advanced design, manufacturing capability and high-quality products built in Marion, Virginia. These radomes enable our nation’s and our allies’ aviators to achieve extraordinary levels of mission success,” says Laura Hooks, vice president and general manager at General Dynamics Mission Systems.

For the past 75 years, General Dynamics Mission Systems employees based in Marion have designed, produced and tested more than 65,000 radomes for more than 50 aircraft. 

General Dynamics Mission Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, provides mission-critical solutions to the challenges facing defense, intelligence and cybersecurity customers across all domains.