F-35 continues to pass test flight milestones in August
"The test milestones are a direct result of the detailed planning, coordination and execution between various government teams and the integrated test force," said J.D. McFarlan, Lockheed Martin's Vice President for F-35 Test & Verification. "Every testing milestone demonstrates the development of the F-35 in successive steps toward enabling the US Marine Corps to attain its F-35B Initial Operational Capacity (IOC) next year."
F-35A aircraft AF-1 accomplished its 400th flight during a successful GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) aircraft separation test on 13 August at Edwards Air Force Base, California. This was the first GBU-31 Mark-84 (2,000-pound guided munition) separation demonstration from the F-35. Previous GBU-31 separations were with the BLU-109 (Bomb Live Unit) bomb body.
F-35B aircraft BF-1 and BF-4 completed 'Mode 4' formation testing on 9 August, as required for Block 2B software capability. In Mode 4 operations, the short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) propulsion system is engaged, the lift fan, roll post nozzle, and three-bearing-swivel nozzle are operating, and all propulsion system doors and inlets are open.
F-35B aircraft BF-3 completed the 2B software fleet release weapon separation requirements for the F-35B with two successful AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) Air Vehicle Instrumented (AAVI) separation flights on consecutive days, 14 and 15 August. The AIM-120 radar-guided missiles were launched over the Atlantic Test Range.
"The Mode 4 flight testing validated the F-35B STOVL variant's ability to operate well in this configuration during formation flight which supports operations around the ship; a key milestone for the F-35B path to IOC," McFarlan said. "Block 2B software fleet release is critical to the warfighter because it delivers the first combat capability to our most dominant 5th generation platform. The successful AMRAAM testing culminates years of dedicated work that proves safe separation in 2B configurations and provides this capability and confidence to our customers."
Along with the testing milestones, to date, the overall System Development and Demonstration (SDD) F-35A test fleet surpassed its 4,000th flight hour on 14 August and in total, the F-35 Fleet has surpassed 19,500 flight hours.
F-35A aircraft AF-1 achieved its 400th flight milestone on 13 August; F-35A aircraft AF-4 surpassed 500 flight hours, 11 August and F-35C aircraft CF-2 achieved 300 flights on 14 August.
