MAPLE GROVE, MN—Metrology provider Carl Zeiss has completed the MMZ-B Plus gantry coordinate measuring machine (CMM)—its largest CMM to date—for Lockheed Martin. The CMM was built to measure subassemblies of F-35 wings. The F-35 Lightning II is a super-sonic stealth fighter designed to replace a wide range of existing aircraft worldwide.

During an official ribbon cutting ceremony held at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. in Fort Worth, TX, Zeiss and other suppliers that contributed to the project were recognized by Lockheed Martin officials Bob Fiorentini, vice president F-35 global production, and Larry Pike, vice president of quality.

“This machine will allow us to measure the process itself and permit the transfer from individual part checking to process validation,” says Pike.