Honeywell's first low probability of intercept radar altimeter (LPIA) - the HG7830 - has been delivered for use on the multinational, multiservice Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).
The altimeter was delivered to the radio systems business of Northrop Grumman for integration into the JSF's communications, navigation and identification (CNI) system.
Generation
Designed for all USAF, Navy and Marine Corps variants, the F-35's sixth generation LPIA is a package weighing only 2lb (1.8kg) and it measures absolute altitude from zero to 35,000ft (11,000m) under all weather conditions.
Built at Honeywell's Minneapolis plant, the first HG7830 also represents the company's 100,000th military radar altimeter delivery.
Honeywell's involvement with JSF also includes development of the aircraft's new integrated power and thermal management system (PTMS) as well as providing supply chain support, in conjunction with manufacturer Lockheed Martin.
The company also provides the aircraft's on-board oxygen generating system (OBOGS) ; landing system wheels and brakes; lighting; inertial navigation system and global positioning system (INS/GPS) ; air data transducers; and engine fan duct heat exchangers.
The PTMS has now entered the development testing phase which will last until the end of the year. By integrating the auxiliary power, emergency power, environmental control and electrical power generation into a single system, Honeywell's solution helped the aircraft's designers to reduce the fighter's length by around 10in (250mm) and its weight by 1,000lb. Integration also brings benefits in terms of reliability and lower life-cycle costs.
Other benefits include the elimination of ground carts for maintenance power and cooling; starting power for the main engine; cooling for the aircraft throughout the flight envelope; and emergency electrical power generation should the main systems fail.
Lockheed Martin has also selected Honeywell to supply proximity and electrical current sensors for the F-35. More than 20 proximity sensors will provide the position of doors and landing gear systems on the aircraft while the current sensors will monitor electrical flow in the power generation system.
Contracted
Honeywell's experience with Six Sigma and supply chain management has led to the company being contracted by Lockheed Martin to provide support for the F-35 JSF programme.
The agreement covers the first of a three-phase contract over the life of the JSF programme - which extends through 2037 - and will provide inventory management, warehousing, packaging, transportation and the integration of a wholesale supply chain information system.
GEOFF THOMAS
Source: Flight Daily News
