Japanese aircraft carrier gets JPALS landing support system
A USMC F-35B lands on JS Izumo. (Photo: US DoD)
JS Izumo will be the first Japanese ship to deploy the JPALS system in 2024.
In December, the USN, in partnership with Japan, awarded an $8.6 million FMS to Raytheon to provide a Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) unit.
PMA-213 JPALS deputy programme manager (DPM) Cdr Charles Steele said: ‘The urgency with which this contract was completed is a testament to our commitment to closely collaborate with our JMSDF partners, which is critical to the 2022 National Defense Strategy call to bolster robust deterrence in the INDO-PACOM [Indo-Pacific Command].’
JPALS is a three-component system comprising a deck element located on a ship, a military GPS constellation and hardware on board the aircraft itself. The F-35 is fitted with JPALS by default.
Related Articles
USMC F-35Bs fly from Japan’s JS Izumo
The system communicates data from the ship, including its range and six degrees of freedom and data from the aircraft and satellite to help guide landings onto a specific spot with a degree of accuracy of around 20cm.
JPALS will help Japanese pilots land their F-35Bs on the Izumo-class ships, which are being converted to operate the short take-off vertical landing fighter.
Under the contract, JPALS will be deployed on JS Izumo in 2024. The Japanese carrier will join US, UK and Italian ships in fielding the system.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy solicits Raytheon and Lockheed for carrier-suitable hypersonic weapon]()
US Navy solicits Raytheon and Lockheed for carrier-suitable hypersonic weapon
The USN has awarded two contracts to Raytheon Missiles and Defence and Lockheed Martin for initial development of a carrier-suitable long-range, high-speed weapon known as Hypersonic Air Launched Offensive Anti-Surface (HALO).
-
![Italian Navy secures funds for two new FREMMs amid push for a bigger fleet]()
Italian Navy secures funds for two new FREMMs amid push for a bigger fleet
Italy plans to procure two more FREMM frigates as part of a push to strengthen its naval capabilities amid an increased Russian presence in the Mediterranean.
-
![Brunei receives a first ex-Singaporean patrol vessel]()
Brunei receives a first ex-Singaporean patrol vessel
Singapore has donated two of its former patrol vessels to Brunei, with the first being commissioned on 21 March.
-
![Singapore selects Saab and ST Engineering for Multi-Role Combat Vessel]()
Singapore selects Saab and ST Engineering for Multi-Role Combat Vessel
Singapore is proceeding with a new class of warship to replace its Victory-class corvettes.
