Originally Posted by
rattman
and yet they still cant get meteor integrated in the aircraft. Tier one partner is just a supplier. Italy has a much greater footprint in the F-35 than the UK
The F-35B lift fan and thrust vectoring system is designed and built in the UK by Rolls-Royce. Its VSTOL control system was developed from the UK's VAAC Harrier programme. Every F-35 is fitted with a Martin Baker ejection seat. Sounds like rather more than 'just a supplier' to me.