Original McDonnell Douglas Corporation (MDC) and Hawker Siddeley companies initially associated in 1969 through US procurement of BAe Harrier; relationship developed with US Navy selection of BAE Systems Hawk; both types built at St Louis, although new production of the Harrier ended in 1997, leaving only remanufacture and upgrade work on the AV-8B. Joint work undertaken on advanced STOVL combat aircraft (later known as JSF), with additional participation of Northrop Grumman, until next-stage contracts were awarded to competing designs in November 1996. Boeing took over MDC in August 1997. Production of T-45 Goshawk continues, albeit at less than minimum economic rate.
Participating companies:
- Boeing (Integrated Defence Systems) (USA)
- BAE Systems (UK)