Firm helps make aviation history
A MILITARY equipment manufacturer has played its part in creating aviation history.
WFEL, based in Heaton Chapel, manufactured a ski-jump take off ramp for the launch of the F-35 Lightning II.
It took place at the naval air station at the Patuxent River, in Maryland, USA, and it is the first time the plane has taken off from a ski-jump.
It provides an upward flight path, meaning the aircraft can take off from a shorter runway with a heavier load.
The take off was part of trials for the F-35 Lightning II, testing its ability to safely take off and land.
WFEL, on Sir Richard Fairey Road, normally makes tactical military bridging for armed forces.
Chief executive Ian Wilson said: “We apply our specialised design and manufacturing skills to challenging products.
“We made a strategic move to apply our engineering expertise to challenges like the ski jump for customers such as the US military, who we’ve been working with since the 1980s.
“The F-35 is one of the most advanced military aircraft ever made and we are proud to support one of our largest customers in achieving aviation history.”