F-35A completes 1st in-flight missile launch

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 06 Jun 2013, 23:43

F-35A completes 1st in-flight missile launch 06 Jun 2013

"6/6/2013 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- An F-35A conventional takeoff and landing aircraft completed the first in-flight missile launch of an AIM-120 over the Point Mugu Sea Test Range, June 5.

It was the first launch where the F-35 and AIM-120 demonstrated a successful launch-to-eject communications sequence and fired the rocket motor after launch -- paving the way for targeted launches in support of the Block 2B fleet release capability later this year...."

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123351580

CAPTION: "An F-35A conventional take-off and landing aircraft completed the first in-flight missile launch of an AIM-120 over the Point Mugu Sea test range on June 5, 2013. (Courtesy F-35 Program Office)"

http://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/ ... 23-001.jpg (3.5Mb)

count_to_10 · by **count_to_10** » 07 Jun 2013, 01:47

Did they use the data-link to steer it around after launch?

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 07 Jun 2013, 02:15

New algorithms could improve BVRAAM lethality By Doug Richardson 05 Jun 2013

"A team comprising Probayes and MBDA has investigated ways of improving the single-shot kill probability of beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAMs).

Carried out under the jointly funded Materials and Components for Missiles Innovation and Technology Partnership (MCM ITP) by France and the United Kingdom, the Guidance in Uncertain Shooting Domains (GUSD) project is intended to improve the effectiveness of air-to-air missile engagements by adding intelligent algorithms to both the aircraft and the missile.

The method of using the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) from the Tornado F.3 had been little changed from the BVRAAM firing procedures developed in 1965-1973 during the air war over North Vietnam.

The pilot must make decisions based on his training and judgement as to when to fire a missile. He has the choice of firing as soon as the target is within the maximum range of his missile (RMAX), which is based on a straight-flying target, or closing the range until the target is within the no-escape zone (NEZ) of his missile. The latter based on the 'worst case' behaviour of the target aircraft (which has to be chosen in advance), together with other parameters such as the 'worst case' noise from sensors.... 200 of 939 words "

http://www.janes.com/products/janes/def ... el=defence

mk82 · by **mk82** » 07 Jun 2013, 03:29

Powered missile launches from the F35A.........about time!!

fang · by **fang** » 07 Jun 2013, 16:52

Good news, I guess it's the first launch of missile in the project
The type of the missile looks like a NATM (only motor+telemetry, no warhead)
Wonder which block the AF-01 got, under production it was 0.1 but in order to release bombs and launch missiles they must upgrade it

neptune · by **neptune** » 07 Jun 2013, 18:46

Wow!

This is amazing that AF-01 a flight sciences block a/c has been upgraded to at least Block 2A and is now capable of launching the AMRAAM. This is a big upgrade; hardware and software. It will be interesting to see if other flight sciences a/c will get similar upgrades. I had not expected they would be able to do this, very eye opening and appreciated. :shock:

XanderCrews · by **XanderCrews** » 08 Jun 2013, 14:19

He scores, he Shoots!!

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 10 Jun 2013, 05:34

Jet fighter's first missile launch trial AAP 08 Jun 2013

"...The missile, equipped with an instrumental payload rather than a live warhead, successfully fired its rocket motor following launch.

Lockheed Martin says targeted launches will be conducted in trials later this year...."

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaki ... 6660499889

fang · by **fang** » 10 Jun 2013, 07:09

neptune wrote:Wow!
This is amazing that AF-01 a flight sciences block a/c has been upgraded to at least Block 2A and is now capable of launching the AMRAAM. This is a big upgrade; hardware and software. It will be interesting to see if other flight sciences a/c will get similar upgrades. I had not expected they would be able to do this, very eye opening and appreciated.

AF-01 got maximum 2A since the first 2B will be the BF-17 also in Edwards F-35 ITF.
http://www.edwards.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123340004

BF-18 to be follow and also some A's..

geogen · by **geogen** » 10 Jun 2013, 07:38

Will the Block 2B cue and shoot the AIM-9x also? Or is that only planned for 3F?

fang · by **fang** » 10 Jun 2013, 07:53

geogen wrote:Will the Block 2B cue and shoot the AIM-9x also? Or is that only planned for 3F?

According to the latest publishing in the 2B the only AAM gonna be the AIM-120

geogen · by **geogen** » 10 Jun 2013, 08:09

Well then, it should be a stunning sight to see the eventual Block 3F shoot off a sidewinder...

Off-topic... How about the F-35B's gun pod + the A's internal gun? Block 3F also?

SpudmanWP · by **SpudmanWP** » 10 Jun 2013, 08:22

yes, The gunpod (along with all the other SDD weapon list) is 3F.

neptune · by **neptune** » 10 Jun 2013, 18:05

fang wrote:[....AF-01 got maximum 2A since the first 2B will be the BF-17 also in Edwards F-35 ITF...BF-18 to be follow and also some A's..

BF-17&18 are both at Edwards and both "WERE" delivered in LRIP3 as Block 1B, no doubt Edwards is polishing their skills on upgrades and perhaps both are up to Block 2B.

I'm impressed that they would upgrade flight sciences AF-01 to 2B? to handle the AMRAMM. AF-01 may be the signature (spit and polish) "A" for Edwards who always has the latest and greatest of all types in the AF inventory.

As for as certifying the links to and the launches of the other toys that will be fielded, the F-35 should be around long enough to link/ launch many new technology weapons; powered or gravity.

SpudmanWP · by **SpudmanWP** » 10 Jun 2013, 18:38

Here is a video of the launch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EnttHIgx8s