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Military
Aviation
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Incomplete?
Belgian Air Force does not accept the first Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters
By: Rafael Ramos
On: 8/8/2023
Lockheed Martin F-35
Public Domain
Belgium is joining the US in not accepting new deliveries of the latest Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighters, pending certification of an improved flight computer and new software. According to the Belgian military department, the first two aircraft AY-01 and AY-02 that are being completed do not meet the technical requirements of the Block 4 modification
It turns out that in the purchase contract it was specified that the aircraft would be delivered in the most modern version available. Currently, the latest modification is the Block 4 version, with which the F-35A is expected to receive major news.
The installed processor of the previous generation, TR-2, is inferior to the TR-3. It is now anticipated that all work on the new version will be completed in the second quarter of 2024.
The TR-2 processor is manufactured by BAE Systems and is based on the PowerPC architecture. It is responsible for processing data from the F-35's various sensors, including radar, electro-optical targeting system and electronic warfare system.
The TR-3 processor is manufactured by Lockheed Martin and is based on the ARM architecture, with more processing power. It is responsible for running the F-35's mission software, which includes flight controls, weapons systems, and communications systems. The processor has a higher clock rate, more memory, in addition to a new radar, an electronic warfare system, the ability to use more modern weapons, among other improvements.
The Belgian Air Force will not accept F-35A fighters until its upgrade to the Block 4 version with the TR3 processor is complete and until the fighter is fully tested and certified.
According to an announcement from Lockheed Martin, these upgrades will make the stealth aircraft more resilient to ground and air threats in both offensive and defensive missions. This means the F-35 will be able to perform more complex tasks and respond more quickly to changing combat situations.
The problem is that certifying the TR-3 and including it in the aircraft's systems will take longer than previously anticipated. The process should only be completed in the second quarter of 2024.
Doug Birkey of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies said the delay will cause a temporary reduction in Air Force capability. However, he also noted Air Combat Command's resource management and its reliance on Lockheed Martin's software troubleshooting.
Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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