The F-35 strike fighter’s Block 1 avionics software has flown for the first time on an F-35 test aircraft, according to Lockheed Martin. BF-4, an F-35B test aircraft, earlier this month made a functional check flight from NAS Patuxent River, Md., with the software build, which is one of three principal software development blocks for the F-35’s mission systems. “Getting this software up and flying in an F-35 is a big step in the process of validating our avionics system and ensuring that it operates in a way that gives our warfighters a clear advantage over any adversary,” said Larry Lawson, Lockheed’s F-35 program general manager. The Block 1 software enables information fusion from the F-35’s radar, electronic warfare system, distributed aperture system, electro-optical targeting system, and other sensors. It also provides initial weapons-release capability. (Lockheed Martin release)
The Air Force plans to have its new Integrated Capabilities Command stood up by the end of 2024, Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin said May 2, offering new details of one of the signature reforms announced by the service earlier this year. Allvin said around 500-800 Airmen will…