Initial flight tests of the Northrop Grumman electro-optical distributed aperture system sensors for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter have proved three sensors will “function simultaneously to provide a seamless, combined wide field of view,” says Northrop officials. The company flew the sensors aboard its BAC 1-11 avionics testbed aircraft. The full F-35 suite comprises six EO-DAS sensors—designated AN/AAQ-37. Northrop plans to deliver the first complete suite to aircraft developer Lockheed Martin in April. The imagery from the three test sensors was “outstanding,” says Northrop’s Joe Ensor.
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
