First strike: Flight International JSF special

 

First strike: Getting a next-generation global fighter ready to fly

Lockheed Martin's F-35 takes major steps forward this year. In the articles below we look at what it takes to design, build, and test a next-generation fighter.

F-35C
The Joint Strike Fighter was devised as the ultimate fighter – a multi-role aircraft which, in its various guises, would meet the needs of several services and with production shared across the industries of a host of participating customer nations. Although there have been a number of hitches, this year sees a major advance for the Lockheed Martin-led programme. Our journalists have been assessing the JSF’s progress in a special report. We look at the manufacturing processes and assembly techniques, what lessons will be learned from the testing schedule, and the part that international partners will play in building and supporting more than 3,000 aircraft.
 JSF BEGINS TO ACCELERATE

 

 PICTURES: JSF FIRST FLIGHT

 

 

 

FUTURE FIGHTER

Lockheed Martin's F-35 takes major steps forward this year. This main feature looks at what it takes to design, build and test and next-generation fighter.



 

OPTION 9 TURNS REPLAN TO ADVANTAGE

The redesign and replan that stretched the JSF system development and demonstration also changed the build sequence.

MOVING ON UP

BAE tails AA-1

Advanced composite/metallic manufacturing and automotive moving-line assembly techniques are needed to build a next generation fighter affordably

 

 

TIME FOR TESTING
F-35 test pilot
Ground laboratories and flying testbeds will play a key role in ensuring the F-35 is ready for productive flight testing at sites across the USA

 THE MATING GAME

Redesigning the F-35 to 0significantly remove weight changed how the aircraft goes together.  The biggest change affects the mating of wing to fuselage

THREADED TOGETHER

Although a one-off, aircraft AA-1 has validated what the JSF team calls the "digital thread" - the electronic design database that runs from engineering through to manufacturing, and beyond.  Constantly updated, this database of Catia three-dimensional solid models defining the F-35 stitches together the partners and suppliers around the world.

 

 

 

WHO WILL BE BUILDING THE JSF?

The coming months will determine whether F-35s roll off theline anywhere other than in Fort Worth, Texas.

 

 


EUROFIGHTER PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES BOOST BAE SYSTEMS

Each of the UK Royal Air Force’s Eurofighters currently spends around 42 weeks on BAE Systems’ Typhoon final assembly line at Warton...

 

GOING GLOBAL

STOVL F-35


To view our diagram of Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Variants, click on the image below to enlarge

lockheed


 External link: Official US military site for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme   


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