An unmodified US Marine Corps F-35B successfully demonstrated integration with the Navy’s Aegis Combat System in a live fire missile test Monday at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. Acting as an elevated sensor, the F-35 detected an over-the-horizon threat and relayed data to a ground launch facility, which accurately fired on the target. The aircraft is based at the Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX-1) at Edwards AFB, Fla . The exercise demonstrated the advanced sensor capabilities of the F-35 as well as its ability to partner with existing systems. “This test represents the start of our exploration into the interoperability of the F-35B with other naval assets,” said Lt. Col. Richard Rusnok, VMX-1 F-35B detachment officer in charge, in a press release. “We believe the F-35B will drastically increase the situational awareness and lethality of the naval forces with which it will deploy in the very near future,” he added. (See also: F-35 Lightning Unleashed from the September issue of Air Force Magazine.)
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.