This is what emerges from the Joint Strike Fighter program under development (although very troubled). The pilots will be able to know exactly the threat.
In this way - reads the note from the designers of the JSF - they will know if MiG-29, Su-27 or any other enemy fighter are heading against them.
The new system will serve as a virtual library with all the world-famous enemy threats in addition to those specific to each individual region of the globe. The new "data packages" are being developed by the American Air Force and have been designed to keep up to date with new information. All available information will be loaded into the database, including all existing specifications on Russian and Chinese fighters.
The "sensor fusion" (total integration of all avionics and communication systems) will inform the pilot on the type of threat, summarizing them to the best. In short, it is the aircraft that "speaks" to the pilot, significantly reducing the workload. The F-35, by interrogating the memory in the system, will tell the pilot if the one detected on the electronic-scan radar is friend and foe, communicating skills, criticalities and strengths.
The Air Force is developing twelve different data packages for as many different geographical areas. The first four packages will be ready for August 2016, at which time the F-35 will reach initial operational capacity. The Air Force will reach the initial operational capacity of the F-35A as soon as the first squad consisting of 12-24 aircraft will be formed, with trained aviators and crews able to perform close air support missions, interdiction and limited suppression and destruction of enemy anti-aircraft defenses.
The F-35A will reach full initial operational capability between August and December of the 2016.
The Marine Corps equipped with F-35Bs will reach initial operational capability as soon as the first squadron of 10-16 aircraft is formed, with infantry and crews trained to carry out close air support, interdiction, armed reconnaissance and support with the ground forces. The F-35B will reach initial full operational capability between July and December 2015.
Finally, the US Navy, equipped with F-35Cs, will reach full initial operational capability as soon as the first squadron of 10 aircraft is formed, with Navy personnel and pilots trained and able to carry out the assigned missions. The F-35C will reach initial full operational capability between August 2018 and February 2019.
Franco Iacch
(photo: Lockheed Martin / DoD USA)
