WORK on the latest model of the world'd most advanced jet fighter has started at BAE Systems, Samlesbury.
The Carrier Variant (CV) of the F-35 Lightning II has gone into production at the defence giant's plant near Blackburn, which employs about 5,000 people.
It means all three versions of the world's only supersonic multi-role fighter are in production.
The initial phase will see the first titanium and aluminium frames that will form part of the fuselage produced.
The F-35 programme is a joint project, primarily between the US and UK air forces.
The CV version of the aircraft will fly for the first time in 2009 and is designed to be used on large US aircraft carriers.
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