Mon, Nov 22, 2010
Basis For All Future JSF Avionics Moves From Avionics Test Bed
To Test Airplane
The fundamental building block for all future avionics software
on the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter has entered flight testing
on an F-35 test jet. "Block 1," the first of three principal
software-development blocks for the F-35's mission systems, made
its inaugural flight on Nov. 5 in the F-35B short takeoff/vertical
landing (STOVL) aircraft known as BF-4. The functional check flight
from Naval Air Station Patuxent River lasted 1.5 hours, and all
planned test points were accomplished.
F35 BF4 Photo Courtesy Lockheed
"Getting this software up and flying in an F-35 is a big step in
the process of validating our avionics system and ensuring that it
operates in a way that gives our warfighters a clear advantage over
any adversary," said Larry Lawson, Lockheed Martin F-35 program
general manager. "The flight went as planned, and we look forward
to expanded mission systems testing in the coming months."
The Block 1 software will enable most of the primary sensors on
the F-35, which possesses the most powerful and comprehensive
mission systems package of any fighter ever to fly. Block 1 forms
the foundation of all subsequent software blocks. It enables
information fusion from the F-35's radar, electronic warfare
system, distributed aperture system, electro-optical targeting
system and other sensors, and provides initial weapons-release
capability.
Block 1 has been undergoing airborne testing since May on the
Cooperative Avionics Test Bed, a highly modified 737 airliner that
incorporates the entire integrated F-35 mission systems suite,
including an F-35 cockpit. The test bed provides initial in-flight
validation for F-35 software blocks before they are introduced into
actual F-35 aircraft.
More News
Chaff Thin, narrow metallic reflectors of various lengths and frequency responses, used to reflect radar energy. These reflectors, when dropped from aircraft and allowed to drift d>[...]
“Today, XB-1 took flight in the same hallowed airspace where the Bell X-1 first broke the sound barrier in 1947. I’ve been looking forward to this flight since founding>[...]
“Teaming up with the EAA and Berlin Express for this event in Cincinnati will give warbird fans a unique opportunity to see the aircraft that helped defend freedom and gave t>[...]
Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]
Aero Linx: The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission was created by the 1935 Legislature to oversee the development of aviation in the state. The Comm>[...]