The US Air Force (USAF) has taken delivery of a Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter that will be employed for testing software updates and new weapons.
The “new specially instrumented F-35A” will join the 412th Test Wing at Edwards AFB, California and will enhance engineering and test work, according to the USAF.
The aircraft will be key in advancing the type’s long-delayed Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) update.
“This new aircraft arrives at a crucial time, supporting intensive testing of TR-3 software upgrades and next-generation weapons integration,” says USAF Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Prudhomme, director of the F-35 Integrated Test Force.
“As the world’s only F-35A capable of evaluating both mission systems and flight sciences, this new asset is key for rapidly fielding advanced capabilities to the warfighter.”
The TR-3 programme introduces new hardware and software with the fifth-generation fighter. The standard will underpin a future Block 4 evolution that spans new sensors, weapons and interoperability features.
Lockheed has already started shipping TR-3-configured fighters to customers, but these jets are initially restricted to supporting pilot training activities.
The 412th Test Wing serves as the USAF’s primary test and evaluation organisation, conducting flight and ground testing of the F-35.
It provides developmental and operational testing support for the F-35 programme, including sophisticated simulation facilities and mission rehearsal capabilities.
Beyond the F-35, the wing also conducts testing for a wide range of other USAF aircraft.
