Boeing has demonstrated the first live fire capability of the X-32 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) by using its 737-200 Avionics Flying Laboratory (AFL) to gather, fuse and direct data to a F-15 to bomb a ground target accurately.
The AFL is equipped with Boeing's proposed JSF mission system suite and a Link 16/Joint Tactical Information System (JTIDS) datalink. During the test on 8 June at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, the 737 downloaded a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) map generated by a classified remote source.
On-board mission systems fused the SAR image with image registration software and an automatic target cueing system. Targeting information was then passed via JTIDS to an F-15 carrying a new 225kg (500lb) version of the satellite-navigation guided Boeing Joint Direct Attack Munition. The airburst weapon scored a direct hit on a target.
While the JSF AFL can generate an SAR map, "in a system of systems environment we need to show we can take it from somewhere else, run our own algorithms over it and pass the data to a 'silent' aircraft," says Mike De Vogel, Boeing JSF systems of systems manager.
An AFL infrared sensor gave immediate bomb damage assessment. Earlier tests demonstrated the fusion of radar, electronic warfare and infrared sensor data to produce a single combined track of a T-33 target. "With the AFL series of demonstrations we'll be showing some unique things as we go along," adds DeVogel.
Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin has begun the transition from the current concept demonstration phase by establishing integrated product teams in the anticipation of engineering manufacturing and development (EMD), starting next year.
The early transition is intended to validate the management processes of Lockheed Martin and partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. As part of this, second-tier key subcontractors are being asked to revalidate their prices as the Lockheed Martin X-35 JSF team prepares to submit its EMD proposals this year.
"One of the conditions set was they meet our design-to-cost targets, which some of them have taken very seriously and some have not. We're using the current time span to track them through to completion so that they can meet their design-to-cost targets," says Lockheed Martin manager JSF procurement Arthur Price.
Lockheed Martin expects to have 95% of its second-tier suppliers and an initial number of third- tier build-to-print vendors in place by the start of the EMD due after April next year. It also plans for a fourth tier of material and hardware suppliers, offering right-to-buy agreements extending to partners and higher level suppliers.
Source: Flight International
