Lockheed Martin has agreed to exhibit a full-scale model of its F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter during IMTS - The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2010, being held at Chicago's McCormick Place September 13-18. The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations, advanced sustainment, and lower operational and support costs.  Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems.  Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.

"While the manufacturing technology featured at IMTS stands alone as a must-see, what's really exciting is seeing the end result from some of those machines," says John Krisko, IMTS Director - Exhibitions.  "Everyone at the show will have the opportunity to learn about the plane's construction and the manufacturing technology behind it.  We are thrilled to have this amazing example of an end product featured at IMTS."  GIE Media was instrumental in working with IMTS to secure the fighter for exhibit.

The F-35 is intended to be the world's premiere strike aircraft through 2040.  The United States intends to buy a total of 2,443 aircraft with a total of more than 4,000 F-35s forecast to be built for U.S. and foreign customers combined.  The F-35 program's overall value is estimated $323 billion, making it the largest defense program ever. The F-35 will be on display in the front of McCormick Place's West Building in Booth #W100. Plans are also in the works to have photo opportunities with the plane available to attendees; watch for additional details.