The US Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) has achieved a new milestone with the completion of the verification for the first laser shock peened F-35B Lightning II aircraft.

According to the US Navy, laser shock peening increases the aircraft frame’s strength without the addition of any extra material or weight.

This peening procedure helps expand the life expectancy of the F-35B, a fifth-generation fighter.

The verification process also confirms that the aircraft meets system-level requirements evaluated through inspection, analysis, demonstration, and testing.

 F-35B is the short take-off-vertical landing (STOVL) variant flown by the US Marine Corps (USMC).

FRCE commanding officer colonel Thomas Atkinson said: “The laser shock peening modification is essential to extending the life of the F-35B STOVL variant, and the ability to complete this procedure successfully allows FRC East to support this critical workload.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“Standing up this strategic capability positions FRC East as a readiness multiplier for the future of Marine Corps aviation, and I’m proud of the hard work and dedication shown by the team in achieving verification of the process and returning the first laser shock peened F-35 aircraft to the fleet.”

In August 2019, FRCE completed construction on a $6m purposely built laser shock peening facility.

It marks the world’s first and only facility that can conduct the laser shock peening modification on an F-35 jet, US Navy stated.

In June 2020, the facility inducted the first F-35 to undergo the peening procedure.