The Air Force successfully performed a real fire test with an F-35A. The Lightning II launched an infrared-guided Raytheon AIM-9X air-to-air missile. The AF-1 aircraft, belonging to the Joint Strike Fighter Integrated Test Force, hit the target on Pacific Sea Test Range. The missile was launched at 6.000 feet.
The F-35 is able to carry AIM-9X missiles externally. The integration will be made possible with the release of the Block 3F software. The 3F software should provide full war capabilities.
The Joint Program Office confirmed four months of "potential delay", but also that the 3F will be completed by the summer of the 2017, with operational functionality by the autumn of the same year.
The flight tests with the Block 3F started last January 15. The tests are necessary to detect any conflicts between the main systems and to make any corrections.
The F-35 cell has been designed for the exclusive external equipment of the AIM-9X air-to-air missile. This means that it cannot be transported in the internal hold, a fundamental characteristic of fifth generation carriers.
A weapon system carried outside, invalidates the low observability design of the fighter, "dirtying" its profile and making it more detectable by enemy radars. It should be noted that the AIM-9X missiles were designed for dogfight, a feature not implemented in the F-35 tactical fighter.
Certification for tactical hunting means that the F-35 could also launch the AIM-9X, but such a configuration should be limited.
(photo: Lockheed Martin)
