Characteristics of F-35 fighter jet's upcoming upgrades PHOTO

Although the F-35 Lightning II is one of the most advanced aircraft of the US Air Force and one of the world’s few fifth-generation fighters, it is not young anymore, therefore it is not surprising, that its manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, is already working on a number of updates for this model.

According to Yeniakit, they are divided into two parts. The first is called Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3), the second - Block 4.

Within the first package, increasing the performance of the computer system of the fighter is planned - it is necessary in order for the "brain" of the plane to cope with the new software, which will ensure the functionality of the Block 4 package. The implementation of Block 4 will not come soon, so in the meanwhile the F-35 received the TR-3 and already ascended in the skies for the first time with this upgrade.

The first test flight of the F-35 with the new "brain" took place on January 6 over the Mojave Desert (state of Nevada). It lasted 50 minutes, with the fighter rising to a height of 10 km and reaching a speed of 1,234 km/h.

The F-35 Block 4 includes a total of 75 upgrades and enhancements, including new precision weapons, new sensors, and new electronic warfare systems. The AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare system and DAS AN/AAQ-37 F-35 infrared imaging system will undergo major modifications and improvements. Along with the improved electronic-optical guidance system, EOTS and AFAR AN/APG-85 will be put into operation.

With the upgrade of the AN/APG-85 radar, the F-35 will receive a radar with GaNTRM technology, which will give a very serious improvement in the overall characteristics of the radar, especially its range.

In addition to electronics upgrades, Block 4 also integrates the Sidekick missile system, allowing the F-35 to carry 6 AMRAAM missiles on internal battle modules. Along with Block 4, it is planned to integrate many different new munitions into the aircraft.

Here are some of these munitions: JSOW-C1, Meteor, SDB-53 Stormbreaker, Spear 3, AARGM-ER and ASRAAM. In addition, the SOM-J cruise missile developed by Roketsan was also planned to be integrated into the F-35 Block 4.

However, the details of the F-35 JPO (Joint Program Office) plans to upgrade existing aircraft to Block 4 are still unclear.