The aerospace defense industry is in the midst of profound transformation, driven by three fundamental elements: globalization, the digital thread, and network-centric logistics. Ralph Heath, executive VP for Lockheed Martin, told attendees at AFA’s Air & Space Conference Sept. 26 that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program is the perfect example. With its nine international partners, the F-35 is a poster child for the technology transfer issue of globalization efforts. The aircraft designers utilized the latest computer-aided design and engineering methods, represented by a single “digital thread.” For instance, Heath said that the Dutch application of proprietary software to help produce wiring harnesses, a traditionally low-tech element, produced harnesses that were consistently precise in their manufacture. As for network-centric logistics, the initial design work for the F-35 included provision for sustainment, ultimately giving aircraft maintainers complete situational awareness of the F-35, just as pilots have long had situational awareness in the cockpit, Heath said.
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.