A developmental take a look at group from the US Air Pressure has performed the primary flight of an F-35 within the Know-how Refresh 3 (TR-3) configuration at Edwards Air Pressure Base.
The 50-minute flight, which took the jet to 35,000 ft at speeds simply shy of the velocity of sound above the Mojave Desert, marked the beginning of an in depth flight take a look at marketing campaign.
Developmental and operational take a look at flights will proceed by means of 2023 to make sure security and show warfighting capabilities.
TR-3 gives the computational horsepower to assist modernised Block 4 capabilities for the F-35 together with: new sensor suites, extra long-range precision weapons, improved digital warfare options, extra highly effective knowledge fusion, and elevated cross-platform interoperability.
These capabilities present the fighter jet a combat-edge to determine, monitor, interact, and survive in opposition to superior air, floor, and cyber threats. TR-3 considerably updates core processing energy and reminiscence capability, which can enable the F-35 to run superior software program filled with state-of-the-art warfighting capabilities.
“It is a important achievement for the F-35 programme, mentioned Lt Gen Mike Schmidt, F-35 Joint Program Workplace programme government officer. “TR-3 is the F-35’s crucial pc processing electronics improve that can proceed to supply all our pilots with the aptitude they must be profitable in opposition to any adversary. There may be nonetheless a variety of work to do, and I’m assured that our business companions and authorities group will get the job executed.”
“The F-35 Built-in Take a look at Pressure at Edwards AFB is proud to have executed one more first-flight throughout the F-35 programme,” mentioned Lt Col Christopher Campbell, 461st FTS commander and F-35 Built-in Take a look at Pressure director. “Know-how Refresh 3 modernises the computational core of the F-35 air automobile. Subsequently, new TR-3 {hardware} and software program have an effect on almost each plane characteristic. Right this moment’s occasion was simply the beginning of a complete flight take a look at marketing campaign that can each confirm and enhance the protection, stability, and efficiency of the entire F-35 weapon system on this new configuration.”
“Right this moment’s first flight is a vital step in enabling future capabilities to make sure F-35 stays unrivalled across the globe. We look ahead to continued collaboration with the JPO and business companions to ship TR-3,” mentioned Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin vice chairman and normal supervisor, F-35 Programme. “Our mission is to supply our U.S. service members and allies with an plane that can assure twenty first century safety to allow them to deter and defeat threats and are available house safely.”
The TR-3 programme has overcome technical complexity challenges with {hardware} and software program and is now on-track to ship functionality to the US and its allies beginning in 2023.
The federal government and business group proceed to seek out revolutionary methods to make sure supply of crucial capabilities to defeat future threats. Classes realized within the execution of the TR-3 programme might be utilized throughout all the Block 4 modernization programme.
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