Australia’s F-35 fighter jets will arrive here with the next increment of software that offers increased fifth-generation capabilities and lethality.
F-35 Program Deputy Director Air Force Transition Office, Wing Commander ( WGCDR) Scott Woodland, said the completion of the final Block 3i configuration software was great news for the program.
“We are now one significant step closer to seeing our aircraft arrive in Australia with the next increment of software, the Block 3F capability,” WGCDR Woodland said.
“Block 3F and subsequent increments of software are an essential enabler to realise the F-35’s fifth-generation capabilities. It will provide us with the ability to execute the full scope of air combat missions and further increases F-35A lethality.”
The F-35’s software is being developed and released in blocks. The first two Australian aircraft, currently based at Luke Air Force Base Arizona, were operating with an early version of Block 3 initial (3i) software that delivered an initial training and warfighting capability.
“Block 2B and 3i Final software development was completed in May 2016 with all fielded aircraft, including Australia’s two aircraft with 3i software, planned to be upgraded by the end this year,” WGCDR Woodland said.
“The improvements to Block 3i and 2B have been transferred to Block 3F, which has completed initial development and will undergo flight tests over the next 18 months.”
Fleet release of Block 3F is expected in late 2017, well before the start of Australian operational test and evaluation in early 2019.
CASG (Formerly DMO)