Additional pneumatic bomb racks and missile launcher systems for F-35 Lightning II fighters are to be produced by Exelis under a low-rate production contract.

The award, the eighth LRIP order from F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin, is for Exelis' BRU-67, BRU-68 and LAU-147 systems.

The value of the award was not disclosed but Exelis said it has already produced more than 1300 carriage and release systems, spare parts and support for all three variants of the F-35.

"With each production award, we make progress toward ensuring every F-35 is equipped with the lightweight pneumatic carriage and release technology it needs," said Pete Martin, vice president and general manager of the Exelis electronic attack and release systems business. "We are firmly committed to supplying these cutting-edge systems to help the aircrews succeed in their missions."

Exelis said eighth LRIP production has already begun. Deliveries of the systems will begin in April of next year.