Beaufort, the market leader in pilot flight equipment, has secured a landmark set of contracts with Lockheed Martin on the F-35 programme. These agreements define the future of how pilots fly, fight and survive, ensuring the world’s premier fifth-generation fighter evolves seamlessly toward 5.5-generation capability.
Under a new four-year production contract, Beaufort will equip every U.S. and international F-35 pilot with customised AEA, fitted at its four dedicated pilot fit facilities in Eglin, Lemoore, Beaufort, and Luke Air Force Base, ensuring every pilot is individually measured, fitted, and flying with the right equipment from day one. The contract also covers the supply of advanced support equipment, building on Beaufort’s proven record of delivering F-35 sustainment and its commercially innovative Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) programme, guaranteeing perfectly fitted AEA to pilots within 10 days.
“Our pilot fit facilities have set the operational benchmark for the F-35 programme,” said John Hall, General Manager – Americas, Beaufort. “Over the last four years, we’ve consistently delivered sustainment excellence and built trust with Lockheed Martin and operators worldwide. This new award confirms that Beaufort is the partner relied upon to equip pilots at scale, with precision and with performance.”
Alongside the production award, Beaufort has signed a five-year development contract with Lockheed Martin to deliver improved AEA designed to meet the aircraft’s evolving mission profile as it advances toward next generation capability. This development will integrate core Beaufort technology, already adopted across major frontline platforms and now being advanced through the development of 6th generation AEA.
“The adoption of core Beaufort technology across leading platforms confirms our position at the forefront pilot of aircrew protection and performance systems, ,” explained Nick Mulhall, Chief Commercial Officer, Beaufort. “We will continue to innovate and bring this technology into the F-35 programme, ensuring its AEA empowers pilots with unmatched performance and protection.
A further sustainment contract is also nearing completion, securing long-term continuity of support for the F-35 operators globally.
“These awards are a powerful statement of Beaufort’s strategic direction,” said Dominic Cartwright, CEO, Beaufort. “The F-35 is the defining fifth-generation fighter, evolving towards new levels of performance. By applying our core technology, already proven on major platforms and shaping sixth-generation development, we are ensuring that F-35 pilots remain at the leading edge of capability. Global demand for this service is growing, and Beaufort is proud to deliver the future of aircrew equipment for the world’s warfighters.”
