Press Releases

Congressman Womack tests the F-35 simulator in Fort Smith

Fort Smith, Arkansas—August 10, 2021....U.S. Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) joined Lockheed Martin, F-35 supplier Mundo-Tech, representatives from the Arkansas Air National Guard, state and local elected officials, and community leaders for an update on the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet and the program’s positive impact in Arkansas and the U.S. economy.    

In June, the U.S. Air Force selected Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith as a preferred location to establish an F-35 training center for Foreign Military Sales participants and the new home for the 425th Fighter Squadron, a Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16 training unit currently based at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

“The F-35 keeps America safe, helps protect many of our most important allies, and is strengthening the Arkansas economy,” Congressman Womack said. “Arkansans can be proud of the part they are playing in building the most advanced fighter jet the world has ever seen. This is particularly true given the Air Force’s recent selection of Ebbing to be a training center for our international allies. I’m honored to know our community is leading and playing a key role in supporting national security and domestic manufacturing.”

Using the cockpit demonstrator for a virtual flight, Congressman Womack experienced firsthand the unmatched agility, unparalleled stealth capabilities, and advanced integrated communications systems making the F-35 the world’s most advanced fighter jet. The fully interactive cockpit demonstrator provides an unprecedented look at the F-35’s exceptional maneuverability and ability to avoid air-to-air or air-to-ground threats while collecting and providing critical intelligence to support ongoing peacekeeping missions.

“We are extremely excited to have the F-35 coming to Arkansas and look forward to welcoming our strategic allies to the region,” Brigadier General Leon Dodroe, Commander, Assistant Adjutant General, Arkansas Air National Guard, said. “Having the F-35 demonstrator here is an excellent opportunity for our civic leaders and community to learn more about the aircraft, and adds to our excitement level. We look forward to having fighter jets back on our base, and our continuing role in promoting peace while strengthening national security through partner nations.”

“Being part of the F-35 team is an honor for Mundo-Tech and our employees are proud to do our part to protect our country and provide jobs in our community,” said Mundo Harbaugh, President of Mundo-Tech. “Our F-35 work sustained our growth during 2020, including the addition of a new 10,500 square foot facility with more facility additions in development.”

The company, based in Congressman Womack’s hometown of Rogers, Arkansas, manufactures tube fabrication products for the aerospace, defense, and commercial markets. Harbaugh said one-third of the Mundo-Tech workforce supports the F-35 and that they manufacture 315 components for the fighter jet. 

Across Arkansas, six companies manufacture F-35 components delivering more than $40-million in statewide economic impact. These companies are part of a global supply chain that includes more than 1,800 American companies producing 300,000 components for the aircraft.

“Companies like Mundo-Tech continue pushing their processes to help us speed up production and drive down costs,” said James King, director of the Lockheed Martin’s Navy F-35C Program. “They are helping us build the 5^th Generation F-35 at a lower cost-per-jet cost than legacy fighter aircraft that are less capable.”

More than 670 F-35s have been delivered, and today the fighter is supporting the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marines along with the military of 13 allied nations including Great Britain, Italy, Israel, and South Korea.

Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 in conjunction with its principal partners, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, and Pratt & Whitney.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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