F-35 deliveries resume and looking back on the last Space Shuttle flight.
Truncated software deliveries for the Lightning and remembering the end of an era
“Airpower is like oxygen. When you have enough, you don’t have to think about it. When you don’t have enough, that’s all you can think about it.”
-Gen Frank Gorenic, USAF
Mission Briefing
Resuming Deliveries: The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Returns to the U.S. Military
The F-35 Program Faces Delays and Progress
After a yearlong pause due to issues with the latest upgrades, the U.S. military has resumed accepting deliveries of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighters from Lockheed Martin. The first two F-35As equipped with a partial version of the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrade software were delivered to the U.S. Air Force on Friday. One was assigned to the Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field, Alabama, and the other to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.
Impact of the Delay on Operations
Despite the resumption of deliveries, the delay in providing fully upgraded F-35s has significant consequences. The F-35s with the current TR-3 software are not expected to be combat-ready until 2025, affecting the Air Force’s operational plans in Europe. General James Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, emphasized at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) air show that while the TR-3 software is sufficient for training, more work is needed for full combat capability.
The Importance of TR-3 and Block 4 Upgrades
The TR-3 upgrades are critical, offering enhanced displays, improved computer memory, and increased processing power. These advancements are foundational for the broader Block 4 modernization, which will enable the F-35 to carry more weapons, better identify targets, and enhance electronic warfare capabilities. The TR-3 effort has faced challenges, including software issues and hardware production delays, initially expected to be resolved by April 2023. However, by July 2023, the upgrades were still incomplete, leading to a backlog of undelivered jets.
A Phased Approach to Delivery
Lieutenant General Mike Schmidt, the F-35 program executive officer, announced a phased approach to delivering these jets. Initial training-capable jets will be delivered in July and August, with more robust training-capable jets expected by the end of August. This strategy aims to provide stable, capable, and maintainable aircraft to customers.
Future Prospects and Challenges
Air Force acquisition chief Andrew Hunter highlighted that the F-35 will continue to receive additional capabilities as software modifications become available. Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and general manager of the F-35 program, pledged ongoing upgrades to ensure the F-35 remains an effective deterrent and cornerstone of joint all-domain operations.
The delay in TR-3 has led to a reduction in the planned purchase of F-35As in the proposed 2025 budget, down from 48 to 42 jets. Additionally, it has slowed the number of F-35s arriving at RAF Lakenheath, the base for the Air Force’s European F-35 squadrons.
As the U.S. military works to resolve these challenges, the phased delivery of F-35s will continue, prioritizing operational needs and maintaining readiness. The commitment to completing the TR-3 and Block 4 upgrades underscores the importance of the F-35 program in maintaining air superiority and meeting future defense requirements.
This week in aviation history
The Final Landing: The End of an Era in American Manned Space Flight
In the early morning hours of 21 July 2011, precisely at 5:54:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (21:54:00 UTC), Space Shuttle Atlantis made its final descent and landed at Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida. The wheels came to a complete stop at 5:57:54 a.m. EDT, marking the end of its historic mission STS-135.
The Journey of Atlantis: Mission STS-135
Atlantis's 13-day mission was not just another trip to space; it was the culmination of a storied career. This mission was the thirty-third flight for Atlantis, contributing to a total of 307 days spent in Earth orbit. The mission carried vital supplies to the International Space Station (ISS) and demonstrated the reliability and capability of the Space Shuttle program one last time.
A Moment of Reflection: The End of an Era
The landing of Atlantis brought an end to the Space Shuttle program, closing a significant chapter in American space exploration that began over five decades earlier. This historic event concluded The Era of American Manned Space Flight, which had its origins on 5 May 1961, with Alan Shepard's launch aboard Freedom 7. Shepard's journey, which began at 09:34:13 EST, marked America's first manned spaceflight and set the stage for future explorations.
The Legacy of the Space Shuttle Program
The contributions of the NASA programs over the past fifty years are immeasurable. The Space Shuttle program, in particular, has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of space, contributing to scientific research, and fostering international cooperation. The program facilitated the construction and maintenance of the ISS, launched numerous satellites, and inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
As we reflect on the achievements of the Space Shuttle program, we are reminded of the spirit of exploration and innovation that drives humanity to reach for the stars. The legacy of Atlantis and its missions will continue to inspire future generations of explorers and scientists as we embark on new journeys well beyond our planet.
In case you missed it
From the last flight of the Space Shuttle to the first flight of the B-21 Raider:
Photo Outlet
Here’s a shot I took of the Louisiana Air National Guard F-15C at its parking space for the Wings Over Houston airshow:
Post Flight Debrief
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-Tog