The f35 program office is confident that the aircrafts block 2b software will be ready in time for the u. The program terminated block 2b developmental flight testing in may 2015, delivering block 2b capability with deficiencies and. Deficiencies in block 2b software, and deferring those capabilities to later blocks, is undermining combat suitability for all three variants. The software fixes have also been included in a new release of block 2b software and will be integrated on 2b jets before the end of the month. Pentagon report casts further doubts on f35s combat readiness. The air force is to declare the f 35 initially operational with block 3i software. The earlier f35 models in question are all built to the incomplete block 2b standard, two levels lower than the final block 3f, and there are 2 software and hardware differences between the. It provides enhanced training including functionality for offboard fusion, initial data links, electronic attack and mission debrief. F35 report card gives thumbsdown to block buy defense.
Developmental flight testing of block 3i started in may 2014. F 35 manufacturer lockheed martin has been preparing the software load in parallel with the block 2b configuration that the marine corps first operational f35b group declared warready status with last july. From the programs outset, the software team has focused on developing six key software. We can now go to a more agile, relevant, and flexible codeverifytestdeliver. Is americas most expensive weapon of war the ultimate failure. Software testing problems continue to plague f35 joint. But even as the f35 integrated test team continues work on block 2b, work is continuing on the followon block 3i and block 3f software packages. Dod completes f35 block 3i software mission system testing. In addition, the test office said cybersecurity vulnerabilities that it identified. F 35 sets weapons test mission record with new software login. Block 2b software, designed to manage missiles and. These software problems slowed weapons integration and flighttesting, and with it the entire aircraft. Block 2a software enhanced simulated weapons, data link capabilities, and early fused sensor integration. This blows up the previous record of three wda tests in a month, set in nov.
The pentagon program office determined last month that an additional software version of the block 2b. Pentagon extends f35 software testing to fix flaws. Bogdan said as the f 35 program has finished testing software blocks 2b and 3i, the program will catch up on software development as the rest of the f 35 fleet is transferred over to software block 3f. F35 program office confident marine joint strike fighter. F35 still years away from being ready for combat medium. Marine corps f35bs when they declared initial operational. Lockheed says f35 block 3f software to be done by years end. The report describes serious problems with the computer software, the block 2b version of. Us military finds f35 software is a buggy mess the register. F35 locked and loaded with improved block 3i software news. Lockheed martin f35a icy runway testing for norwegian drag chute.
One does hope the programs block 2b software testing efficiency strategy is successful, since the gao indicates the f 35 is scheduled to undergo operational testing in june of next year, to. The air force just bought 100 stealth fighters that cant fight. If used in combat, the block 2b f35 will need support from command and control elements to avoid threats, assist in target acquisition, and control weapons employment for the limited weapons. Block 3f allowed us to do software faster, according to winter.
Concluding block 2b and 3i development and testing now allows the f 35 program to focus on completing block 3f the full. Nearly 200 of americas f35s may remain indefinitely. With block 2b, more than 87 percent of the required code for full warfighting. The pentagons top testing official has weighed and measured the f35 and found it wanting.
The air force just bought 100 stealth fighters that cant. F35 software testing slowed by flight restrictions. Defense departments newest and most advanced fighter jet has cracked during testing and isnt. Flight testing began in 2009, and ioc was expected by december 2012. F35 sets weapons test mission record with new software. Marine corps planned july 2015 initial operational capability ioc date, but a. Software testing problems continue to plague f35 joint strike. Software block 3f, the latest block, provides 100 percent of the software required for full warfighting capability, including, but not limited. Block 2b software loads that will limit the f35bs combat capability. One does hope the programs block 2b software testing efficiency strategy is successful, since the gao indicates the f35 is scheduled to undergo operational testing in june of next year, to. Marine joint strike fighter on track to meet 2015 goal. Pilots have to figure out which targets are real and which arent, usually by verbally confirming them with other pilots.
As a result, through october 20, little progress was made in completing flight testing required by the baseline block 2b joint test plan. Block 2a software experienced a fourmonth delay in delivery for flight test, with only 50 percent of the software delivered. Usmcs older f35bs may only be able to fly around a quarter of their expected service life updated structural defects continue to plague the f. The worst deficiencies were found in the block 2b s navigation and accuracy software aspects. Pentagon report cast futher doubts on f35s combat readiness. Block 2b software was planned to be delivered to flight test by the end of 2012, but less than 10 percent of the content was available for integration and testing as of the end of august. Bogdan also disclosed at the hearing that block 3f software is dependent upon the timely release of block 2b and 3i, and at present, 3f is. Keeping the f35 ahead of the bad guys air force magazine. F35 locked and loaded with improved block 3i software f. F35 software overrun with bugs, dod testing chief warns. F 35 software overrun with bugs, dod testing chief warns.
Thats because the first round of block 3 was created by rehosting the immature block 2b. The report forecast a possible month delay in completing testing of the block 2b software needed for the marine corps to clear the jets for initial combat use next year, a priority given the. All f 35 aircraft are expected to have the new software by the end of 2016. Lockheed martin f35 lightning ii development wikipedia. Usmcs older f35bs may only be able to fly around a. Block 2b software enables the f 35 to provide basic close air support with certain jdams and the 500 lb gbu12 paveway ii, as well as fire the aim120 amraam. Block 2a block 2a is currently released to the f 35 fleet. The pentagon program office determined last month that an additional software version of the block 2b software must be tested based. With block 2a, nearly 86 percent of the required code for full warfighting capability is flying. Pentagon extends f 35 software testing to fix flaws. Concluding block 2b and 3i development and testing now allows the f35 programme to focus on completing block 3f the full warfighting.