Lockheed unveils stealthy future: Unmanned F‑35 in the works
Lockheed Martin plans to introduce advanced technologies to the F-35 aircraft, offering enhanced stealth capabilities and potentially an unmanned option within the next few years. Here’s an outline of when and what Lockheed Martin intends to implement.
As reported by the portal Defense News, Lockheed Martin, the American defence giant, is working on incorporating modern technologies into the F-35 aircraft. The company plans improvements in stealth technology, new weaponry, and the possibility of unmanned piloting.
During a conference in New York, Lockheed Martin's CEO, Jim Taiclet, expressed confidence that the new capabilities of the F-35 could be ready in two to three years. The company aims to introduce technologies initially developed for the NGAD programme, which was ultimately won by Boeing.
Changes affecting the F-35
Lockheed Martin plans to enhance the F-35's stealth coatings, making it more difficult to detect by radar and infrared systems. Additionally, the F-35 is expected to feature new weaponry designed for sixth-generation aircraft and more advanced electronic warfare systems.
This new version is anticipated to deliver 80% of the capabilities of the F-47 fighter jet but at half its cost. Lockheed Martin plans to utilise systems developed under the NGAD programme, which are expected to facilitate further digitisation and networking of the aircraft, enabling it to operate autonomously as an unmanned aircraft.
F-35 Lightning II — successor to the stalwart F-16
The F-35 is a product of the global Joint Strike Fighter programme, involving nations such as the USA, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Australia. Initially designed as a strike aircraft to complement the F-22 Raptor, it eventually evolved into a multirole aircraft.
In addition to its stealth technology, a key feature of the F-35 is its advanced sensor suite. This includes the AN/APG-81 or AN/APG-85 radar with an AESA antenna and the AN/AAQ-37 EODAS system, which consists of six infrared sensors. These allow for the detection of objects in a full 360-degree range, enabling actions such as launching missiles towards targets behind the aircraft.
The F-35 can carry weaponry in internal bays that accommodate up to six AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air guided missiles or, for instance, two B61-12 or JDAM-ER bombs. Additionally, there is the option to carry more missiles on underwing pylons, although this would compromise some stealth features.
