F-35: Few F-22, the Air Force presses to improve air-to-air capacity

04/06/15

The two main sensors of the F-35 will be updated with the Block-4 software package, all efforts are focused on this. While validation tests with the Marines continue, we recall that the Initial Operational Capacity of the F-35B is set for the next 15 July, from Lockheed Martin plan the next objectives to give the fighter the "aerial dominion" in all theaters of the future .

Updates will cover the electro-optical targeting system and the high-resolution wide area implementation (Big SAR) for Northrop Grumman's electronically-scanned APG-81 radar.

'Big SAR' and 'EOTS' represent the future - they say from the Air Force - even if their development is among the most troubled.

Originally, the 'Big SAR, capacity should have been introduced in the Block-3 which, according to estimates, should enter service within the next year. Delays and difficulties in development have caused software updates to be shifted to Block 4, with delivery starting from 2020.

Despite efforts to increase the future capabilities of the fighter, the Pentagon presses for the Block-3F software, which will give the F-35 the "full war capacity". Improving the air-to-air capabilities of the F-35 is of vital importance for the United States, considering the small number of F-22 (photos below) online, about 180, compared to the initial order of 750 Raptor platforms provided.

Having closed the 'Raptor' line, it is now considered one of the biggest mistakes in Pentagon history.

F-35: what hunting can do today

The development strategy of the JSF program is based on the implementation of software that in turn increases the platform's capabilities. To date, funds have been allocated for the final Block-4. The F-35 that will fly in the 2040, will be equipped with the Block-7. The 1A / 1B Block includes the 78 percent of the source code necessary for the F-35 Initial Operating Skills by providing training software and primary interaction between the various main systems.

The Block-2A is the software currently "loaded" on the F-35 fleet. Increases the aircraft's overall capabilities for pilot training including off-board fusion capabilities, initial data links, electronic countermeasures and improved debrief. With the 2A block, 86 per cent of the code necessary to reach the Initial Operational Capacity is provided.

The Marine Corps with the F-35B should achieve the Initial Operational Capacity by the next 15 July with the 2B software block. The 2B provides basic Close Air Support with the possibility of launching AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile), JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) and GBU-12 (laser-guided aerial bomb).

The Air Force plans to achieve Initial Operational Capacity with the F-35A in the 2016 with the next iteration of the software, called 3i. Described as a technical update of the Block-2B, the 3i will allow the aircraft to use JDAM, GBU-12 and AMRAAM. The F-35A will have substantial air support capabilities only in the 2018, when it reaches Full Operational Capability.

Only in the 2018, the F-35A can fire with the internal cannon and release a series of ammunition including AIM-9X, AMRAAM, GBU-12, GBU-31 and Small Diameter Bomb I. The SDB-II system will be integrated with the Block-4a software. The 4 Block will be divided into two segments. The Block-4a will be ready between the 2021 and the 2022, while the 4B for the 2023. The twelve million dollars to write the Block-4 have been included in the 2014 budget.

Much of the development of the Block-4 will be devoted to countermeasures against existing enemy air defense systems and those that will arise in future years.

Franco Iacch