Success for the integration test between an F-35 Lightning II andAegis Weapon System in support of the Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air.
Last Monday, an F-35B of the Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 detected a threat over the horizon. The F-35B sent the data to a ground station connected to the weapon system Aegis through Multi-Function Advanced Data Link. The target was subsequently intercepted by a SM-6 missile.
The F-35 will be a force multiplier - reads the Lockheed Martin release - the success of the test demonstrated the platform's ability in joint operations, this is only one of the potential combat capabilities of the F-35.
The limits imposed by the low observability profile for the internal payload of the F-35 are known, but its primary role will be to provide tracking data for flying arsenals, naval platforms and submarines.
The decision to perform a real test with an F-35B is not random. Indeed, the Marine platform will be the first to serve as an advanced sensor in the maritime operating environment. The Marine Corps has already announced that it could deploy an F-35 squadron in the Middle East next year. Two squads would be embarked that could be available to Marines on USS amphibious assault ships next year Wasp and USS Essex (eight months later).
The only confirmed redeployment is that which will take place next January, when ten F-35Bs will be distributed in the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, in Japan.
Integration with capacity Aegis, fits into the new concept of worldwide network developed by the United States.
(photo: Lockheed Martin)
