Software Is Biggest F-35 Risk, Says Program Executive Officer
http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-defense.....ve-officer Citat:Lockheed Martin’s scheduled delivery of the full-capability Block 3F software in 2017 “highly depends” on the performance of interim Block 2B and 3I software releases, Bogdan said. Block 2B software, released for flight test in February, is the “initial warfighting” software that adds sensor capabilities missing from the training software releases, plus the AIM-120 air-to-air missile, GBU-12 laser-guided bombs and the GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM). Lockheed Martin plans to release Block 3F software to the services in 2017.
Citat:Meanwhile, the F-35 program is continuing the development of two different helmet-mounted display systems (HMDS) from Vision Systems International (VSI) and BAE Systems after encountering problems with the original VSI system. While Lockheed Martin has reported progress in fixing the VSI system, the two systems will compete in a “fly off,” after which the program will choose one HMDS. Bogdan said there is a business calculation in resolving HMDS problems before making a final selection. Bogdan told Vanity Fair, “Lockheed Martin would very much like to influence my decision-making here in favor of the [VSI] helmet. I’m not letting them do that.” He told the magazine that the BAE helmet costs “$100,000 to $150,000 less.” According to Vanity Fair, the VSI helmet costs $500,000.
Vanity Fair
Citat:Grim Reapers Rollout
The US Navy's first F-35C Lightning II squadron, Strike Fighter Squadron 101 (VFA-101), hosted a rollout ceremony for its new aircraft at the squadron's home at Eglin AFB, Florida, on 1 October 2013. Known as the Grim Reapers, VFA-101 will serve as the Navy's first F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron. Commander, US Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Bill Gortney and Commander, Naval Air Forces, Vice Adm. David H. Buss were the principal speakers. Several local community leaders also attended, including the mayors of Niceville, Mary Ester, and Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Formed in 1942, the Grim Reapers flew combat missions in the Battle of Guadalcanal and during the Korean War. At several times since, the squadron has served as a training unit.
sour:code one
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Eglin AB
01/10/2013
img by Karen Roganov & Lockheed Martin
Prvi let za F-35A AF-35
NAS Fort Worth
07/10/2013
img by Carl Richards
Dopuna: 10 Okt 2013 20:43
Prvi za kengure AU-1 Citat:Lockheed Martin and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) celebrated the beginnings of the first F-35 Lightning II for Australia yesterday. The aircraft, designated as AU-1, officially began the mate process, where major components of the aircraft are joined together to form the aircraft’s structure. AU-1 will then make its way down the assembly line and roll out of the factory for delivery to the RAAF in the summer of 2014.
Citat:The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter has surpassed 10,000 flight hours in September, prime contractor Lockheed Martin announced on 9 October.
The stealth fighter has flown 6,492 times and a total of 10,077 flight hours in September.
