Vision Systems International selected as helmet-mounted display supplier but readiness for maiden flight in doubt
Lockheed Martin has begun ground testing the first F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) after rolling the aircraft off the assembly line in Fort Worth, Texas. The first flight of F-35A-1, a conventional take-off and landing variant, is now scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2006.
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First F-35 heads to fuel barn for tests |
Lockheed, meanwhile, has confirmed the selection of Vision Systems International (VSI) to supply the helmet-mounted display (HMD) for all domestic and international JSFs, but says it remains a “close thing” whether the system will be ready for the F-35’s first flight.
The F-35 is now in the fuel barn at Lockheed’s Fort Worth plant, where fuel system functionality will be checked out, usable and unusable fuel quantity measured, and gross weight and centre of gravity determined. This will be followed by structural coupling and ground vibration tests and runs of the integrated power package, which combines the auxiliary and emergency power units and environmental control system.
First runs of the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine are scheduled late in the second quarter, followed by proof-load testing, flight load calibration and electromagnetic interference tests. Taxi tests are expected to begin late in the third quarter. Lockheed had earlier talked of a first flight at the end of August, but says this was an “internal challenge” date.
The confirmation of Rockwell Collins/Elbit Systems joint venture VSI as HMD supplier follows a UK government-sponsored competition with BAE Systems. The VSI HMD failed its initial 450kt (830km/h) ejection-seat sled test, but passed a company-funded 600kt test at Holloman AFB in New Mexico and subsequently won a “fly-off” 600kt sled test against the BAE HMD conducted in the UK. This prompted the UK Ministry of Defence to last year drop its requirement for an alternate helmet for the JSF.
After the initial failure, Lockheed became concerned about the helmet being available for the first flight. As the F-35 does not have a head-up display, the HMD is flight-critical. VSI says the helmet hardware will be ready by first flight, but acknowledges that man-rating qualification and display software development might not be complete by then. “If not, it will be soon after,” it says.
GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
