U.S. Navy Version of Lockheed Martin F-35 Makes First Flight

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U.S. Navy Version of Lockheed Martin F-35 Makes First Flight
UNITED STATES - 7 JUNE 2010

FORT WORTH, Texas, June 7th, 2010 -- The most advanced aircraft in the history of the United States Navy made its inaugural flight yesterday, assuring a future of long-range, first-day-of-the-war stealth striking capability from the Navy's big-deck carriers. The first Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35C Lightning II carrier variant took off from Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base at 11:46 a.m. and logged a 57 min flight.

“I am thrilled the F-35C has attained this milestone,” said Vice Adm. Thomas J. Kilcline, Commander of Naval Air Forces. “This flight marks the beginning of a new chapter in Naval Aviation. The mission systems in this aircraft will provide the Carrier Strike Group Commander with an unprecedented ability to counter a broad spectrum of threats and win in operational scenarios that our legacy aircraft cannot address.

“As a long-range, stealthy, carrier-based aircraft, the F-35C will provide Naval Aviators a fifth-generation fighter with the most advanced technology possible to perform our nation's missions. I look forward to the F-35C's continued progress, and observing developmental flight testing at Patuxent River later this summer,” Kilcline said.

The F-35C is unique in its uncompromised carrier suitability, with a larger wing and control surfaces for safe, precise handling and low approach speeds to the carrier, excellent over-the-nose visibility, and additional structural strength for at-sea operations. The aircraft’s stealth materials are designed to withstand harsh carrier conditions with minimal maintenance.

"For the first time ever, and from now on, wherever on the world’s oceans we position a 98,000-ton nuclear carrier, we can launch a long-range, lethal, stealth strike fighter with the ability to defeat the most sophisticated air defenses," said Tom Burbage, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and general manager of F-35 Program Integration. “Sunday’s flight marks the beginning of the true introduction of a next-generation weapon system capable of providing joint, coalition striking power on Day One, from both land and sea bases.”

The mission was flown by Lockheed Martin Test Pilot Jeff Knowles, a retired Naval Aviator and test pilot who flew F-14As and F-14Ds operationally, and who served as chief test pilot on the F-117 stealth fighter program.

The F-35 Lightning II 5th generation fighter combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and lower operational and support costs. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with principal industrial partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Two separate, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team F136.

U.S. Navy Carrier-Based F-35C Lightning II Makes First Flight

Source: Lockheed Martin

 

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Lockheed Martin F-35C First Flight JSF - U.S. Navy Carrier Variant

F-35 JSF

Autonomic Logistics (AL)
Because logistics support accounts for two-thirds of an aircraft's life cycle cost, the F-35 will achieve unprecedented levels of reliability and maintainability, combined with a highly responsive support and training system linked with the latest in information technology. The aircraft will be ready to fight anytime and anyplace. Autonomic Logistics (AL) is a seamless, embedded solution that integrates current performance, operational parameters, current configuration, scheduled upgrades and maintenance, component history, predictive diagnostics (prognostics) and health management, and service support for the F-35. Essentially, AL does invaluable and efficient behind-the-scenes monitoring, maintenance and prognostics to support the aircraft and ensure its continued good health.

Commonality
Commonality is the key to affordability – on the assembly line; in shared-wing platforms; in common systems that enhance maintenance, field support and service interoperability; and in almost 100 percent commonality of the avionics suite. Component commonality across all three variants reduces unique spares requirements and the logistics footprint. In addition to reduced flyaway costs, the F-35 is designed to affordably integrate new technology during its entire life cycle.

Distributed Aperture System (DAS)
In a joint effort with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems will provide key electronic sensors for the F-35, which includes spearheading the work on the Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS). This system will provide pilots with a unique protective sphere around the aircraft for enhanced situational awareness, missile warning, aircraft warning, day/night pilot vision, and fire control capability.

Diverterless Inlet
The F-35's diverterless inlet lightens the overall weight of the aircraft. Traditional aircraft inlets were comprised of many moving parts and are much heavier than newer diverterless inlets. The diverterless inlet also eliminates all moving parts.

Electro-Optical Targeting System
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control and Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems are jointly providing key electronic sensors for the F-35 to include the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS). The internally mounted EOTS will provide extended range detection and precision targeting against ground targets, plus long range detection of air-to-air threats.

Helmet Mounted Display System
Vision Systems International, LLC (VSI) is developing the most advanced and capable Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) for the F-35. Utilizing extensive design experience gained on successful production Helmet Mounted Displays (HMD), the F-35 HMDS will replace the traditional Head-Up-Display (HUD) while offering true sensor fusion.

Integrated Communications, Navigation and Identification Avionics
Northrop Grumman Space Technology's integrated avionics satisfy the requirements for greatly increased functionalities within extreme space and weight limitations via modular hardware that could be dynamically programmed to reconfigure for multiple functions. This "smart"-box approach delivers increased performance, quicker deployment, higher availability, enhanced scalability and lower life cycle costs.

Interoperability
The F-35 will have the most robust communications suite of any fighter aircraft built to date. The F-35 will be the first fighter to possess a satellite communications capability that integrates beyond line of sight communications throughout the spectrum of missions it is tasked to perform. The F-35 will contain the most modern tactical datalinks which will provide the sharing of data among its flight members as well as other airborne, surface and ground-based platforms required to perform assigned missions. The commitment of JSF partner nations to common communications capabilities and web-enabled logistics support will enable a new level of coalition interoperability. These capabilities allow the F-35 to lead the defense community in the migration to the net-centric warfighting force of the future.

Low Observability
An integrated airframe design, advanced materials and an axisymmetric nozzle maximize the F-35's stealth features.

Multi-Function Display System
Rockwell Collins's 8"x20" Multi-Function Display System (MFDS) will be the panoramic projection display for the F-35. MFDS employs leading edge technology in projection engine architecture, video, compression, illumination module controls and processing memory – all of which will make the MFDS the most advanced tactical display. One-gigabyte-per-second data interfaces will enable the MFDS to display six full motion images simultaneously. The adaptable layout will be easily reconfigurable for different missions or mission segments. Projection display technology will provide a high-luminance, high-contrast, and high-resolution picture with no viewing angle effect.

Multi-Mission Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar
Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems is developing the Multi-Mission Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar for the F-35. This advanced multi-function radar has gone through extensive flight demonstrations during the Concept Demonstration Phase (CDP). The radar will enable the F-35 JSF pilot to effectively engage air and ground targets at long range, while also providing outstanding situational awareness for enhanced survivability.

Propulsion
The F-35 Propulsion Systems are the most powerful fighter/attack turbofans in the world. There are two manufacturers with propulsion systems currently being tested. The propulsion systems are interchangeable and both will power the F-35. There are two major engine variants for the F-35. One engine will power the CTOL and CV versions of the aircraft, while the other will power the STOVL version. The F135 engine is made by Pratt & Whitney, the F136 by a team, known as the Fighter Engine Team comprised of General Electric and Rolls-Royce. Both the F135 and the F136 STOVL engines will utilize common exhaust and Lift System systems.

**F135
The Pratt & Whitney F135 family of advanced propulsion systems utilize cutting edge technology to provide the F-35 with higher performance than conventional fighter aircraft. The engine consists of a 3-stage fan, a 6-stage compressor, an annular combustor, a single stage high-pressure turbine, and a 2 stage low-pressure turbine.

The F135 is currently in the SDD phase. The F135 is using the lessons learned from the F119 engine core and the JSF119 during the CDA stage to reduce risk in SDD. During SDD the F135 test engines will undergo a range of ground and flight tests to simulate various mission profiles. In these tests the system demonstration engines will be run for hours throughout various flight envelopes to ensure they meet performance requirements. One of the vital milestone tests occured at the end of 2003 with the first F135 engine to test.

The first CTOL F135 engine test occurred on 11 October 2003. The first STOVL F135 engine test occurred on 14 April 2004.

**F136
The GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team (FET) F136 engine is currently in the Pre-SDD phase. The objective of the F136 Pre-SDD phase is to reduce risk prior to entering SDD. The FET is utilizing technology developed from previous aircraft engine programs to design this engine. The F136 engine consists of a 3-stage fan, 5-stage compressor, a 3-stage low-pressure turbine section and a single stage high-pressure turbine.

The F136 team will transition into the SDD phase of their program later in 2005. The F135 and F136 teams are working closely to develop common propulsion system components.

The first CTOL F136 engine to test occurred on 22 July 2004. The first STOVL F136 engine to test occurred on 10 February 2005.

Rolls-Royce Lift System
While Rolls-Royce is a member of the Fighter Engine Team with GE on the F136, they are also subcontracted to Pratt & Whitney on the F135 to provide the Lift System for the F-35. The Lift System is comprised of the Lift Fan, Clutch, Drive Shaft, Roll Posts and the Three Bearing Swivel Module (3BSM).

Shaft Driven Lift Fan (SDLF)
Lockheed Martin developed the idea for a Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL) lift system that uses a vertically oriented Shaft Driven Lift Fan (SDLF). A two-stage low-pressure turbine on the engine provides the horsepower necessary to power the Rolls-Royce designed Lift Fan. The Lift Fan generates a column of cool air that provides nearly 20,000 pounds of lifting power using variable inlet guide vanes to modulate the airflow, along with an equivalent amount of thrust from the downward vectored rear exhaust to lift the aircraft. The Lift Fan utilizes a clutch that engages the shaft drive system for STOVL operations. Because the lift fan extracts power from the engine, exhaust temperatures are reduced by about 200 degrees compared to traditional STOVL systems.

The SDLF concept was successfully demonstrated through a Large Scale Powered Model (LSPM) in 1995-96 and during the flight-testing of the X-35B during the summer of 2001. The Lift Fan, a patented Lockheed Martin concept, was developed and produced by Rolls-Royce Corp. in Indianapolis, Indiana and in Bristol, England.

Robust Structure
Continuous tailhook-to-nose-gear structure and catapult-compatible nose gear launch system are strengthened for catapult and arresting loads.

Sophisticated Cockpit
The F-35 provides its pilot with unsurpassed situational awareness, positive target identification and precision strike under any weather condition. Mission systems integration and outstanding over-the-nose visibility features are designed to dramatically enhance pilot performance.

Weapons Integration
The F-35 will employ a variety of US and allied weapons. From JDAMs to Sidewinders to the UK Storm Shadow, the F-35 has been designed to carry either internally or externally a large array of weapons.

 

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P&W F135 Propulsion System Achieves 2 Major Program Milestones
UNITED STATEs - 23 JUNE 2010

(East Hartford, Conn., June, 23, 2010) -- The Pratt & Whitney F135 propulsion system celebrated two major program milestones recently, with the successful maiden flight of the Lockheed Martin Navy variant F-35C Lightning II, powered by a production configuration F135 engine, as well as installation of the first production F135 engine into a production F-35 aircraft. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.

"It has been a tremendous year for the F135 engine as it continues its steady progress through conclusion of development testing and validation, and into full production and sustainment," said Bennett Croswell, Vice President of F135 and F119 Engine Programs.

The first F-35C flight, which lasted 57 minutes, was flown by Lockheed Martin Test Pilot Jeff Knowles and powered by an Initial Service Release (ISR) / production configured F135 engine. The Pratt & Whitney F135 Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL) / Carrier Variant (CV) engine received ISR certification from the U.S. Governments in February indicating that the engine, with more than 17,600 test hours, has met all the ISR requirements for safety, reliability, durability and performance, and that it is now cleared for use in the field..

"The fact that this first F-35C flight was powered by a Pratt & Whitney ISR F135 engine is a clear demonstration that this engine is ready for use by our servicemen and women today," Croswell said.

Another recent F135 milestone achieved was installation of the first production configuration F135 propulsion system into a production F-35 aircraft.

"This is an achievement we celebrate with our teammates at the F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin," said Warren Boley, President of Pratt & Whitney Military Engines. "Every day, with every milestone, the F135 propulsion system continues to demonstrate an unprecedented level of performance, maturity and dependability, and this achievement puts us one step closer to placing this game-changing aircraft into the hands of the U.S. military as well as those of our international partners."


Source: Pratt & Whitney

 

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Lockheed Martin F-35 Navy Jet Confirms Carrier-Landing Strength Predictions
UNITED STATES - 23 JUNE 2010

FORT WORTH, Texas -- A Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35C Lightning II carrier variant successfully completed testing in which it was dropped from heights of more than 11 feet during a series of simulated aircraft-carrier landings. The tests validated predictions and will help confirm the F-35C's structural integrity for carrier operations.

The jet, a ground-test article known as CG-1, underwent drop testing at Vought Aircraft Industries in Grand Prairie, Texas. No load exceedances or structural issues were found at any of the drop conditions, and all drops were conducted at the maximum carrier landing weight. The drop conditions included sink rates, or rates of descent, up to the maximum design value of 26.4 feet per second, as well as various angles and weight distributions. The tests were used to mimic the wide range of landing conditions expected in the fleet.

"The completion of the drop tests is an important step in clearing the way for field carrier landing testing and shipboard testing at high sink rates –a necessary feature for a carrier-suitable strike fighter," said Larry Lawson, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-35 program general manager. "This testing also validates the design tools and analysis used in building a structurally sound, carrier-suitable fighter."

This final drop test follows the recent first flight of the first F-35C.

CG-1, the ground test article for the Lockheed Martin F-35C (carrier variant), is positioned for its final drop test at Vought Aircraft Industries in Dallas, Tx. The series of drop tests were designed to mimic landing conditions on a carrier deck and resulted in no load exceedances or structural issues. Completion of the drop testing clears the way for carrier landing testing and shipboard testing at high sink rates.

Source: Lockheed Martin

 

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Agreement between BAE Systems Operations Ltd. and Avcorp Industries Inc. with respect to production of F35 - Carrier Variant - Outboard Wind (CV-OBW)
21 JULY 2010

Avcorp Industries Inc today announced the signing of an agreement between the company and BAE Systems Operations Ltd. for the production of the F35 CV-OBW commencing in 2010 and with potential deliveries through 2023. The Carrier Variant or F35C is currently only required by the US Navy. The Memorandum of Agreement and associated Terms and Conditions were signed today at the Canadian Pavilion at the Farnborough International Air Show. In attendance were the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry and the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State ‐ Western Economic Diversification, for the Government of Canada.

Avcorp is establishing a production capability in 2010 and assembly will start by the end of the year with initial deliveries by mid‐2011. Most of this work will be completed in a dedicated facility in Delta BC with use of an extensive US and Canadian supply network.

“This contract is a significant step in achieving the strategic diversification of the Avcorp portfolio of business,” said Mark van Rooij, CEO of Avcorp. “It is the culmination of a lot of hard work by an outstanding team of Avcorp employees. The F35 work represents a step up in the capabilities at Avcorp and establishes the company as one of very few capable of producing aerostructure assemblies for the latest 5th generation fighter aircraft.”

"This is the second Industrial Participation contract established in Canada by BAE Systems, with Avcorp being the planned single source supplier for the F35 Outboard Wings. To date Avcorp have demonstrated a very high level of proactive commitment to the Program and we are confident that the relationship will continue to develop with Avcorp enabling BAE Systems to deliver on its commitments to on time, quality OBW's that achieve the affordability targets for the F35 Lightening Program" said C. Addison BAE Systems F35 Project Director.


Source: Avcorp Industries Inc.

 

[SpArK]

F-35C Catapult Testing

F-35C carrier variant test jet CF-3 demonstrates proper catapult hookup at NAS Patuxent River, Md. in preparation for the first catapult launches at Lakehurst, N.J.

 

[REEVER]

it is beautiful that big belly full of electronic jammers and soon an air to air laser ( google it) it super cruses at 1.6 thank god were ditchign those ugly f 18s and f 16s

 

[TruthSeeker]

thank god were ditchign those ugly f 18s and f 16s

Hey, Mr. Reever! Show some respect. F-16's and F-18's are beautiful planes. And imagine, you could by a used F-16 for your personal transportation for only 5% of the cost of an F-35. So, in terms of price/performance, the F-16 and the F-18 are the best!

 

[REEVER]

good point but will the valet it?

 

[Vassnti]

it is beautiful that big belly full of electronic jammers and soon an air to air laser ( google it) it super cruses at 1.6 thank god were ditchign those ugly f 18s and f 16s

Get your eyes checked, your surrounded by Viper fans

This is beautiful

This looks like a cane toad mid jump