MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. — Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) achieved another first in its support of next-generation Naval aviation with the successful assembly of a lift fan clutch for the F-35B Lightning II aircraft. FRCE personnel became the first within the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to perform this task outside of the original manufacturer’s facility.
“The F-35B’s short take-off and vertical landing abilities offer the Fleet critical capabilities that cannot be duplicated by any other aircraft,” said FRCE Commanding Officer Capt. James M. Belmont. “The lift fan clutch is a vital part of the aircraft’s lift system. Standing up this capability allows us to provide support for the F-35B that’s not available anywhere else in DoD.”
Depot officials said the establishment of the lift fan clutch capability bolsters increasing requirements for F-35B maintenance and repair, as the number of operational aircraft in the Fleet continues to rise.