F-35 gun INOP until 2019
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"Lockheed Martin test pilot Dan Canin is at the controls of F-35C test aircraft CF-5 during external stores hiigh AoA testing over the Eastern Shore of Maryland on 25 February 2015. The aircraft is loaded with AIM-9X air-to-air missiles and a centerline 25 mm gun pod. Photo by Michael D. Jackson"
Original Photo: http://www.codeonemagazine.com/images/m ... 7_5866.jpg
Source: http://www.codeonemagazine.com/gallery_ ... ry_style=2
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Get a GRIPon Mr. Ig DON! 
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Some old news from the dim dark past possibly not seen here before? Anyhooo....
AEDC reacts to first F-35 JSF weapons suite flight test
21 May 2010 By Philip Lorenz III, HIGH MACH, Technical Writer Vol.57, No.10
“...One of the more interesting technical aspects of the test program involved the determination of an optimally designed external fuel tank,” he said. “With the aid of some pretest CFD [computational fluid dynamics] analysis, [a specific] fuel tank geometry was tested and proven to reduce the overall aircraft drag below the levels documented using classic tank geometries.
...The flight test aircraft, designated AF-2, will be used to verify the F-35A’s ability to carry both internal and external weapons throughout the required flight envelope. The jet is also the first F-35 to have the internal GAU-22/A 25-millimeter gun system installed. The system, featuring a four-barrel Gatling gun which fires at a rate of 3,000 rounds per minute, is made by General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products in Burlington, Vt.
Gun testing on AF-2 will be used to confirm predictions of gun vibration, acoustic and recoil loads with the aircraft and various weapons. Additionally, the aircraft will be used to confirm vibro-acoustic loads with the weapons-bay doors open and closed with various weapon configurations. The measurements will validate the structural design of the jet, and provide evidence of the F-35A weapons’ compatibility with gunfire and weapons-bay environments.
Supersonic launch of internal weapons, including maximum-speed (Mach 1.6) launch of internal air-to-air missiles, is a feature of all F-35s...."
Source: http://www.arnold.af.mil/shared/media/d ... 20-051.pdf (3.2Mb)
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Perusing this old thread... the link in the post previous to this one no longer works.
One may try Google with the search string "AFD-100520-051.pdf"
Which brought me to:
High Mach Vol. 57 No. 10 May 21, 2010
Don't know how long that link will be remain valid, hence the Google search suggestion.
One may try Google with the search string "AFD-100520-051.pdf"
Which brought me to:
High Mach Vol. 57 No. 10 May 21, 2010
Don't know how long that link will be remain valid, hence the Google search suggestion.
Take an F-16, stir in A-7, dollop of F-117, gob of F-22, dash of F/A-18, sprinkle with AV-8B, stir well + bake. Whaddya get? F-35.
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Relevant article (2 pages made into one page) attached from above PDF at URL above.
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F-35 Gun-Weapon Tests HighMach Magn 21may2010 AFD-100520-051 PRN.pdf- (231.15 KiB) Downloaded 752 times
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http://www.edwards.af.mil/News/Article/ ... acy-tests/
F-35 testers wrap up Weapons Delivery Accuracy tests
By Kenji Thuloweit, 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
Published December 19, 2017
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --
Testers from the 461st Flight Test Squadron and F-35 Integrated Test Force (ITF) completed a major test milestone bringing the F-35 Lightning II’s full combat capabilities closer to the battlefield. Weapons Delivery Accuracy (WDA) flight tests began in July 2013 and testing wrapped up earlier this month. The WDA portion of the F-35 developmental test and evaluation mission ensures the fifth-generation fighter’s weapons system can deliver lethal ordnance both air-to-air and air-to-ground using the jet’s warfighting Block 3F software. The ITF used all three F-35 variants and delivered air-to-air missiles including AIM-120s, the AIM-9X and the United Kingdom’s Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile. The WDA tests also confirmed air-to-ground delivery of the Paveway IV laser-guided bomb, GBU-39 small diameter bomb, GBU-12, GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition and the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon. “Weapons delivery accuracy tests are important, because without proof that the F-35 can actually drop these weapons where we need them to go, then the F-35 is just an information-gathering system,” said Lt. Col. Tucker Hamilton, 461st FLTS commander and F-35 ITF director. “The F-35 proved it was extremely capable in delivering these weapons where we wanted it and how we wanted it delivered. These are the most complicated and intricate missions that we had and the jet did extremely well.” Hamilton said the air-to-air accuracy tests finished in August with air-to-ground tests ending in October.
The F-35 ITF then capped off WDA tests by completing testing on the F-35’s GAU-22 25mm gun at the beginning of December 2017. The WDA gun tests included the Air Force’s A variant where the gun is internal carried and on the Marine Corps’ and Navy’s B and C variants, which employ a gun pod beneath the jet. Each weapon test required multiple missions including software development, “dry runs” and then the actual weapon release. Not including the gun, Hamilton said the F-35 ITF delivered 55 weapons during WDA testing, which was mainly done over the military sea range off the California coast and at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California.
Maj. Jonathan Gilbert, 461st FLTS, completed the final air-to-ground WDA test as a new test pilot to the F-35 Integrated Test Force. “I didn't even know it was a milestone, I just knew I was dropping a weapon,” said Gilbert. “It wasn't until after that I felt the excitement from the team and the squadron to close out the WDA program. It is a credit to the team and the planning as it did not appear this would be achievable in the time the squadron accomplished it in, but yet they were able to complete it. I just had the pleasure of dropping the last one.” Hamilton said the F-35 Joint Program Office analyzes the data from all the WDA tests and any upgrades to the F-35 mission systems software will be sent out to the F-35 operational fleet. “When they get their 3F software, the one that is going to be productionized for full 3F capability, [the fleet] will be confident they can load these weapons and drop them on the target they’re selecting,” Hamilton said.
The F-35 Integrated Test Force, operating at both Edwards AFB and at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, continues to conduct developmental flight test for the Defense Department’s F-35 Joint Program Office. Ongoing testing at Edwards AFB includes mission effectiveness testing, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime interdiction, and offensive and defensive air-to-air combat testing. “The ITF takes these extremely challenging and intricate data requirements and then finds a way to coordinate with multiple outside agencies, drones, tankers, ranges and basically conduct these missions and make them happen in a historical manner,” said Hamilton. “No one before them has ever been able to pull off executing weapons deliveries like the individuals in the ITF.”
….looks to be a bit ahead of some 2019 speculations!
F-35 testers wrap up Weapons Delivery Accuracy tests
By Kenji Thuloweit, 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
Published December 19, 2017
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --
Testers from the 461st Flight Test Squadron and F-35 Integrated Test Force (ITF) completed a major test milestone bringing the F-35 Lightning II’s full combat capabilities closer to the battlefield. Weapons Delivery Accuracy (WDA) flight tests began in July 2013 and testing wrapped up earlier this month. The WDA portion of the F-35 developmental test and evaluation mission ensures the fifth-generation fighter’s weapons system can deliver lethal ordnance both air-to-air and air-to-ground using the jet’s warfighting Block 3F software. The ITF used all three F-35 variants and delivered air-to-air missiles including AIM-120s, the AIM-9X and the United Kingdom’s Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile. The WDA tests also confirmed air-to-ground delivery of the Paveway IV laser-guided bomb, GBU-39 small diameter bomb, GBU-12, GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition and the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon. “Weapons delivery accuracy tests are important, because without proof that the F-35 can actually drop these weapons where we need them to go, then the F-35 is just an information-gathering system,” said Lt. Col. Tucker Hamilton, 461st FLTS commander and F-35 ITF director. “The F-35 proved it was extremely capable in delivering these weapons where we wanted it and how we wanted it delivered. These are the most complicated and intricate missions that we had and the jet did extremely well.” Hamilton said the air-to-air accuracy tests finished in August with air-to-ground tests ending in October.
The F-35 ITF then capped off WDA tests by completing testing on the F-35’s GAU-22 25mm gun at the beginning of December 2017. The WDA gun tests included the Air Force’s A variant where the gun is internal carried and on the Marine Corps’ and Navy’s B and C variants, which employ a gun pod beneath the jet. Each weapon test required multiple missions including software development, “dry runs” and then the actual weapon release. Not including the gun, Hamilton said the F-35 ITF delivered 55 weapons during WDA testing, which was mainly done over the military sea range off the California coast and at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California.
Maj. Jonathan Gilbert, 461st FLTS, completed the final air-to-ground WDA test as a new test pilot to the F-35 Integrated Test Force. “I didn't even know it was a milestone, I just knew I was dropping a weapon,” said Gilbert. “It wasn't until after that I felt the excitement from the team and the squadron to close out the WDA program. It is a credit to the team and the planning as it did not appear this would be achievable in the time the squadron accomplished it in, but yet they were able to complete it. I just had the pleasure of dropping the last one.” Hamilton said the F-35 Joint Program Office analyzes the data from all the WDA tests and any upgrades to the F-35 mission systems software will be sent out to the F-35 operational fleet. “When they get their 3F software, the one that is going to be productionized for full 3F capability, [the fleet] will be confident they can load these weapons and drop them on the target they’re selecting,” Hamilton said.
The F-35 Integrated Test Force, operating at both Edwards AFB and at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, continues to conduct developmental flight test for the Defense Department’s F-35 Joint Program Office. Ongoing testing at Edwards AFB includes mission effectiveness testing, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime interdiction, and offensive and defensive air-to-air combat testing. “The ITF takes these extremely challenging and intricate data requirements and then finds a way to coordinate with multiple outside agencies, drones, tankers, ranges and basically conduct these missions and make them happen in a historical manner,” said Hamilton. “No one before them has ever been able to pull off executing weapons deliveries like the individuals in the ITF.”
….looks to be a bit ahead of some 2019 speculations!
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gc wrote:Great news. Now the F-35 is conducting operational deployments. And can employ all commonly used weapons.
….and "IF" the "Bee" is on tactical deployments and wearing a gun, then the Block?, becomes a bit more apparent!
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But but but .... "Gilmore said,"
and he is like the genius of the universe ... and ...
nevermind ... guess he was the babbling fool we proposed here over and over ... fanboys and all that.
Just keep your score sheets up to date on whether the "Wizard of OT" or the posters on F-16.net knew anything ... Been there .. done that ... and played idiot OT&E directors like a fiddle once or twice myself.
At least the new guy seems sharp. That should help going forward, next year.
MHO,
BP
(Sorry for the attitude. I do not suffer fools lightly)
and he is like the genius of the universe ... and ...
nevermind ... guess he was the babbling fool we proposed here over and over ... fanboys and all that.
Just keep your score sheets up to date on whether the "Wizard of OT" or the posters on F-16.net knew anything ... Been there .. done that ... and played idiot OT&E directors like a fiddle once or twice myself.
At least the new guy seems sharp. That should help going forward, next year.
MHO,
BP
(Sorry for the attitude. I do not suffer fools lightly)
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blindpilot wrote:At least the new guy seems sharp. That should help going forward, next year.
Apparently new guy was a sled driver at one point of his career. I don't think the AF let dunces drive those. Things appear to be shaping up.
Take an F-16, stir in A-7, dollop of F-117, gob of F-22, dash of F/A-18, sprinkle with AV-8B, stir well + bake. Whaddya get? F-35.
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neptune wrote:gc wrote:Great news. Now the F-35 is conducting operational deployments. And can employ all commonly used weapons.
….and "IF" the "Bee" is on tactical deployments and wearing a gun, then the Block?, becomes a bit more apparent!
Anybody know what software block VMFA-121 is running at MCAS Iwakuni? I seemed to recall 2B, then I read that VMFA-121 was getting all the latest aircraft delivered to the Corps, and the squadron's oldest aircraft would then be sent where needed elsewhere. One post said VMFA-121 was running 3i. Another post noted delivery of 3F-capable aircraft in autumn of 2017. But spaz' post here: viewtopic.php?f=57&t=52670&p=363326&hilit=block#p363326 states that VMFA-121 is running 2B S5.3. The reason I ask is VMFA-121 will have to be running 3F to be able to run their gun, right?
Take an F-16, stir in A-7, dollop of F-117, gob of F-22, dash of F/A-18, sprinkle with AV-8B, stir well + bake. Whaddya get? F-35.
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IIRC VMFA-121 are embarking next year so they will be using 3F. That kind of info is somewhere on forum - I'm at dindins.
Without checking - did not VMFA-121 receive their 2nd tranche of newer F-35Bs recently? I would guess these 6 aircraft will embark with their software updated beforehand. I'll be able to check later.... Yet to read all this post again but....
Other quotes from same article indicate F-35Bs will embark with 3F software in 2018 - so go read.... [10+6=16 F-35Bs]
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=52450&p=359653&hilit=embark+software#p359653
Without checking - did not VMFA-121 receive their 2nd tranche of newer F-35Bs recently? I would guess these 6 aircraft will embark with their software updated beforehand. I'll be able to check later.... Yet to read all this post again but....
Other quotes from same article indicate F-35Bs will embark with 3F software in 2018 - so go read.... [10+6=16 F-35Bs]
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=52450&p=359653&hilit=embark+software#p359653
COMING TO AMERICA
Feb 2017 Jamie Hunter
"......Preparing for the real world...
...The ‘Green Knights’ of ‘121’ are expected to embark the USS Wasp in February 2018 as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). VMFA-211 ‘Avengers’ at MCAS Yuma is set to deploy with a ‘southern California’ MEU in June 2018. ‘With the Block 3F software we will have full ordnance clearance — that means [the F-35B will be able to carry] 4,000lb more than a Marine Corps F/A-18’, enthuses Davis...."
Download: F-35B DT-III USS America 6-8pp Combat Aircraft Feb 2017.pdf (1.86Mb) download/file.php?id=24033
Source: Combat Aircraft Monthly February 2017 Vol.18 No.2
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"...the Navy and three U.S Marine Corps F-35B squadrons will receive their first 3F-equipped aircraft this fall [2017]: the “Green Knights” of Marine Fighter Attack Sqdn. (VMFA) 121, permanently stationed at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, the operational squadron at MCAS Yuma, Arizona, and the service’s training squadron at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, says service spokeswoman Capt. Sarah Burns...." viewtopic.php?f=62&t=52626&p=375505&hilit=Knights+Green+software#p375505 OR http://aviationweek.com/combat-aircraft ... inish-line 04sep2017
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