In case you've ever wondered what an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter looks like while its still under construction, now you know. These pics show the mid-fuselage section of the 69th F-35 being prepped for delivery to Lockheed Martin from F-35-subcontractor Northrop Grumman.
Remember, Lockheed designed the jet and does all the final assembly, but Northrop and BAE Systems are the biggest of many subcontractors on the project, they both produce a serious amount of the airplane, with Northrop's contribution to the actual fuselage shown in these pictures. Notice how sensitive parts of the new fuselage are all wrapped up in brown paper, like a new toy on Christmas wrapped by some crazy uncle.
Enjoy.
