First Squadron To Deploy In 2012

The first squadron of F-35 Lightning IIs isn't slated to go into operation until 2012... but the system that will serve as the information backbone of the F-35 maintenance and support network is now up and running, reports Lockheed Martin.

The F-35 Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) was formally switched on Monday, during a ceremony at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics headquarters in Fort Worth. The ALIS environment, developed in conjunction with Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support, will start by capturing real time flight test data from Lightning II test aircraft.

"No such system has ever been activated so early in a military aircraft program, and with up to 4,500 F-35s to support in the coming years, the magnitude of its importance is clear," said Dan Crowley, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-35 program general manager.

"Historically, operation and support have accounted for about two-thirds of a fighter's lifecycle costs. F-35 aims to reduce those expenses significantly, starting with an extremely reliable aircraft and our sophisticated data management system, ALIS," said Tom Burbage, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and general manager of F-35 Program Integration.

"Each F-35 will constantly monitor its own systems and automatically relay information to ALIS. In turn, ALIS will provide an information infrastructure that captures, analyzes, identifies and communicates F-35 characteristics and data, providing information and decision support for every Lightning II user worldwide, on land or at sea," said Kimberly Gavaletz, Lockheed Martin vice president for F-35 Autonomic Logistics and Global Sustainment.

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com