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 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.
More from Air Warfare
-
Aerosonde UAV makes first operational flight from USS Miguel Keith
The Textron UAS is also deployed on three other USN ships.
-
Iran turns to Russia to modernise fighter jet fleet
As Iranian drones equip Russian forces in ever-increasing numbers, Su-35 fighter jets will soon be heading in the opposite direction as Tehran urgently seeks modern air combat capabilities.
-
Electra develops eSTOL pre-production prototype for US Air Force
The Virginia-based aerospace company has received a strategic funding injection of up to $85m to mature its eSTOL technology for the US Air Force.
-
HAWC missile completes flight trials as focus turns to maturing hypersonic technology
Completion of HAWC flight testing means the US has two viable hypersonic missile designs that can be matured into future programmes of record.