Jane Edwards
The U.S. Air Force has begun to update weapons software and hardware systems as well as sensors aboard the Lockheed Martin-built F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft, Defense Systems reported Tuesday.
Kris Osborn writes that 1st Lt. Carrie Volpe, action officer for the Air Combat Command Public Affairs, said the service branch will begin to integrate the Increment 3.2B software upgrade to its fleet of F-22s in the summer of 2019.
Volpe added the project seeks to build up the fighter jet’s “air-to-surface target location†functionalities and capabilities for Raytheon-made AIM-9X and AIM-120D air-to-air missiles.
John Cottam, F-22 program deputy at Lockheed’s aeronautics business, said the company has started work on another software upgrade – Update 6 – and expects the project to conclude by 2020.
Cottam added that Lockheed commenced an F-22 hardware systems upgrade effort, tactical mandate, that will involve the development of antennas that aim to maintain the aircraft’s stealth configuration and the company is scheduled to complete work in 2021.
The military branch also has begun efforts to identify requirements for the fighter jet’s next-generation sensor, Osborn reported.
