Tulsa Firm Shows Off Electronics It Builds For F-35 Fighter Jet

A Tulsa firm showed off its military fighter jet technology to state leaders Friday.

Ducommun manufactures electronics used in the radar and flight control systems of the F-35 "Lightning II."  Ducommun and Lockheed Martin gave Oklahoma U.S. Senator James Lankford and U.S. Representative Jim Bridenstine the opportunity to "fly" in the F-35 cockpit demonstrator.

Ducommun's vice president said the F-35 is very important to the country. "It's going to be the cornerstone of our national security for decades," said Tod Brindlinger.

The F-35 cockpit demonstrator simulates the fighter's advanced technologies and combat capabilities.

"It is a realistic view of what the pilots actually see in application," said Brindlinger.  "You can use more modern technology, more components that are readily available so you don't run into obsolescence."

As a Navy Reserve pilot, Rep. Bridenstine says this technology will shape how our military fights in the future.

"How do we fight a war, twenty years from now? What is the threat going to look like? How do we fight against that threat?" said Bridenstine. 

Lockheed Martin says Tulsa is one of more than 1,200 locations nationwide building F-35 parts. 

The Oklahoma National Guard is making a bid to base F-35s at the Air Guard base in Tulsa.

7/31/2015 Related Story: Tulsa Air National Guard Making Bid For F-35 Fighter Jets