IBM and Dassault Systemes Collaborate on F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program

Strategic Insights -

The collaboration between IBM and Dassault Systemes, along with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., has marked a significant milestone in the development of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. The companies have implemented Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions to drive innovation, develop new production techniques, and transform the aircraft business model. This strategic partnership will enable Lockheed Martin's teams to benefit from long-term cost savings and efficiencies, including in the maintenance phase.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lockheed Martin has implemented IBM and Dassault Systemes' PLM solutions, including CATIA V5 and DELMIA, to support the development of the F-35 JSF program, which is the largest defense contract ever awarded by the Pentagon.
  • The F-35 JSF is a fifth-generation multi-role, supersonic, stealth aircraft designed to replace multiple aircraft types, including the AV-8B Harrier, A-10, F-16, and F/A-18 Hornet.
  • Lockheed Martin has set aggressive goals and has decided to migrate from CATIA V4 to CATIA V5 and DELMIA for product development and manufacturing simulation, respectively, to enable its teams to benefit from long-term cost savings and efficiencies.
  • The implementation of CATIA V5 and DELMIA will bring improved design-cycle efficiencies, enhanced confidence in the design, and long-term supplier and IT compatibility to the F-35 team.
  • IBM and Dassault Systemes will support the Virtual Development Environment by providing implementation services, including education and training for product-related functions.
  • The F-35 program is expected to benefit from reduced costs, decreased development time, and enhanced product quality, making it a critical project for the industry.

Statistics:

  • The F-35 JSF program is the largest defense contract ever awarded by the Pentagon.
  • The program is expected to benefit from long-term cost savings and efficiencies, including in the maintenance phase.
  • The implementation of CATIA V5 and DELMIA will enable Lockheed Martin teams to collaborate and work more efficiently, both within the company and with its extended network of suppliers and partners.
  • The solutions are running on IBM IntelliStation M-Pro workstations.
  • As of December 2005, the Comtex SmarTrend Alert had indicated an uptrend for DASTY stock at $50.50 since September 2005.

Sources:

  • "IBM and Dassault Systemes Collaborate on F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program" (Market Wire via COMTEX, 2005).
  • "IBM Introduces Next Generation PLM Solution" (IBM, 2005).
  • "Dassault Systemes Announces New PLM Solutions" (Dassault Systemes, 2005).
  • "Comtex SmarTrend Alert" (Comtex News Network, 2005).