First F-35 with latest Technology Refresh takes off
F-35s produced in Lots 15-17 will be the first jets to include the Technology Refresh 3 configuration. (Photo: US DoD)
The US Air Force has successfully tested the first F-35 jet with the latest Technology Refresh, the modernised hardware needed to power Block 4 capabilities.
The USAF's 461st Flight Test Squadron conducted the first flight of an F-35 in Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) configuration on 6 January at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
The test pilot verified the aircraft’s airworthiness and system stability during a 50-minute functional check flight (FCF).
During the try-out, the F-35 reached 35,000 feet at just under the speed of sound.
Related Articles
Bahrain to receive first batch of F-16Vs in 2024
I/ITSEC 2022: Lockheed Martin explores small footprint F-35 sim
US F-15EX successfully tests new missile stations
The USAF said developmental and operational test flights will continue throughout 2023 to ensure the safety and warfighting capability of the TR-3 configuration.
Lt Gen Mike Schmidt, Program Executive Officer at the F-35 Joint Program Office said: ‘TR-3 is the F-35’s critical computer processing electronics upgrade that will continue to provide all our pilots with the capability they need to be successful against any adversary.
‘There is still a lot of work to do and I am confident that our industry partners and government team will get the job done.’
TR-3 provides computational power to support modernised Block 4 capabilities for the fifth-generation jet, including new sensor suites, more long-range precision weapons, improved electronic warfare features, more powerful data fusion, and increased cross-platform interoperability.
These capabilities will enable pilots to identify, track, engage and survive against advanced air, ground and cyber threats.
The delivery of jets with TR-3 to customers will began soon as the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin finalised a contract for the production and delivery of up to 398 F-35 jets for $30 billion.
The agreement includes US DoD, international partner and Foreign Military Sales aircraft in Lots 15 and 16, with an option for Lot 17.
Lockheed Martin said Lots 15-17 will be the first jets to include the TR-3 configuration.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Drone Evolution eyes UK and export markets with Scimitar FPV drone]()
DSEI 2025: Drone Evolution eyes UK and export markets with Scimitar FPV drone
Launched at DSEI 2025 for the first time, the first-person-view uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) is available as 10-inch and 7-inch variant, ideal for surveillance or one-way strike missions.
-
![Proteus: forging the future of autonomous rotorcraft]()
Proteus: forging the future of autonomous rotorcraft
As the home of British helicopters, Leonardo has worked with the UK Ministry of Defence for over a decade to advance technologies underpinning uncrewed rotorcraft. Today, in partnership with DE&S Future Capabilities Innovation and the Royal Navy, Leonardo is spearheading the next step in that journey: from remotely piloted technologies to fully autonomous systems.
-
![DSEI 2025: ‘Future force’ a focus but questions remain on core UK air programmes]()
DSEI 2025: ‘Future force’ a focus but questions remain on core UK air programmes
Focused on shaping the armed forces for the fight ahead, DSEI will hone in on new technology and small and medium enterprises to help lead the sector forward.
-
![India fast-tracks helicopter procurement with dual RFIs for 276 platforms]()
India fast-tracks helicopter procurement with dual RFIs for 276 platforms
India has issued urgent RFIs for more than 270 reconnaissance, surveillance and utility helicopters across its services, signalling a systemic overhaul of rotary-wing capabilities with a renewed emphasis on indigenous production and technology transfer.
-
![US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026]()
US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026
The US Department of Defence (DoD) previously selected Anduril Industries and General Atomics to develop production-representative prototypes under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme. A competitive Increment 1 production decision is expected in FY2026.
