Acquisition Update: Option Exercised for 16th and 17th Coast Guard HC-144As

USCG: Acquisition Directorate Newsroom

Acquisition Update: Option Exercised for 16th and 17th Coast Guard HC-144As

 

April 4 , 2012

The Coast Guard’s HC-144A Maritime Patrol Aircraft flies over a ship. An option was exercised on April 4 to buy the 16th and 17th aircraft for the fleet. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

The U.S. Coast Guard exercised a contract option on April 4 to purchase the service’s 16th and 17th HC-144A Ocean Sentry Maritime Patrol Aircraft from EADS North America. The option, worth $78.54 million, is part of a firm fixed-price contract awarded in August 2010 for three aircraft, with four options for up to six additional aircraft. Delivery of the 16th and 17th HC-144As is expected in 2014.
Under this contract, the Coast Guard has already taken delivery—on budget and ahead of schedule—of two HC-144As, the 12th and 13th for the service. The 14th aircraft is due for delivery by July. The Coast Guard exercised the first option on the contract for the 15th HC-144A in August 2011, and delivery is expected in the summer of 2013. The remaining two options left on the contract, for up to three aircraft, can be exercised in the next two years.
A fixed-wing turbo prop, the HC-144A is a derivative of the EADS/Airbus Military CN-235 used around the world. With an endurance of more than 10 hours as well as extensive sensor capability and passenger capacity, this medium-range surveillance aircraft helps the Coast Guard fulfill its maritime patrol, drug and migrant interdiction, disaster response, and search and rescue missions more effectively. It is fully operational out of Coast Guard air stations at Mobile, Ala., and Miami.
The Coast Guard plans to acquire up to 36 HC-144As.
For more information on the HC-144A, please visit the project’s website at http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/MRS.

Airbus Military Completes C-295 AEW& and Control

http://www.aviationweek.com
Defense Technology Blog

Airbus Military Completes C-295 AEW& ;C Prototype First Flight

Airbus Military Completes C-295 AEW&C Prototype First Flight Posted by Robert Wall at 6/8/2011 6:39 AM CDT

In advance of the Paris air show, Airbus Military has completed the first flight of its C-295 Airborne Early Warning and Control prototype that is due to make an appearance at the air show.

The aircraft is to undergo several months of flight trials for Airbus Military to assess how the non-rotating rotodome impacts aircraft handling. A winglet upgrade to extend on station time is also being considered.

At this point Airbus Military has not taken a decision on a formal program go ahead, and a sensor selection has not been made.

The company says the aircraft took off on June 7 at 5:16 p.m. in Seville, Spain and landed at 8:04 p.m. local time. Experimental test pilot Alejandro Madurga was the captain and joined by co-pilot Alfonso de Castro, as well as Flight Test Engineer Juan José Baeza, and the Test Flight Engineer Antonio Ojeda.

Airbus Military and Israel Aerospace Industries join forces on C295 AEW&C Programme

Airbus Military and Israel Aerospace Industries join forces on C295 AEW and C Programme


Airbus Military and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) are combining forces to jointly develop and market a new version of the Airbus Military C295 platform fitted with an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system produced by ELTA Systems, a wholly owned IAI subsidiary.
The primary sensor of the AEW&C will be the IAI/ELTA 4th Generation Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar with integrated IFF.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to this effect was signed today at the Le Bourget Airshow by IAI Corp. VP and ELTA President, Mr. Nissim Hadas, and Airbus Military CEO Mr. Domingo Ureña. With this agreement, Airbus Military will expand its mission capability to the Airborne Early Warning & Command sector, while ELTA will be expanding its AEW&C fleet to include a turboprop platform.

The C295 AEW&C has been designed to provide high quality 360 Surveillance, creating in real-time an integrated Air and Maritime Situation Picture and Electronic Order of Battle. The AEW&C Situation Picture is shared with friendly forces via Network Centric data links...

 

C-295 AEW and C

 Airbus Military: 14:29 GMT, June 8, 2011 The first Airbus Military C295 development aircraft fitted with an Airbone Early Warning sand Command (AEW&C) rotodome has successfully completed its first flight on 7th June 2011 at Airbus Military’s site in Seville (Spain).

The flight follows extensive research and development work, including wind tunnel testing, leading to the conversion of a C295 to be fitted with the in-house developed rotodome.

The aircraft took off at 17h16 local time (15h16 UTC) and landed at 20h04 local time (18h04 UTC), after a flight lasting 2h48 (wheels off – wheels down). The experimental test pilot Alejandro Madurga captained the flight together with co-pilot Alfonso de Castro, the Flight Test Engineer Juan José Baeza, and the Test Flight Engineer Antonio Ojeda.

The objective of the trials is to verify the aerodynamic and structural impact of the rotodome on the aircraft’s overall structure, handling qualities and performance. The six metre diameter rotodome fitted for the initial trials is a fixed dummy structure. On production aircraft the rotodome would be a fast-rotating device housing a state-of-the-art radar providing full 360 degree and continuous coverage of a selected area.

“This first flight confirmed to us that the C295 is an excellent platform to support such a rotodome”, said Alejandro Maurga after the flight. The behavior of the aircraft and its flying characteristics were very satisfactory and as expected”.

Flight testing will continue during the next three months to complete the feasibility study and fully validate the concept.

Airbus Military’s C295 is an ideal platform for Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) missions. The C295 is currently used for other Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance applications such as maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare or environmental protection missions, to list just a few. The C295 is a simple but robust platform with proven reliability, used in conflict operations for defence and homeland security missions. It is adaptable to the AEW&C role thanks to its versatility and the largest cabin in its class. The in-house developed Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) enables the integration of on-board sensors, including operation and monitoring of the future radar system and display of the
aerial picture.

The current AEW&C trials are to demonstrate the C295’s capability in this sector and thereby expand its range of applications. With the C295, Airbus Military has the tool to open up a new market segment for affordable high-performance AEW&C systems

The C295

The new generation C295 is the ideal aircraft for military transport and civic missions such as humanitarian aid, homeland security, maritime patrol, and environmental surveillance. Thanks to its robustness and reliability, and with simple systems, this medium sized tactical airlifter provides the wide versatility and flexibility required for personnel, troop and bulky/palletized cargo transportation, casualty evacuation, communication and logistic duties, or certified air-dropping capabilities. It is fitted with both civil and military technology equipment which ensures success on demanding tactical missions, as well as growth potential for future equipment installation, and compatibility with the latest civil airspace environment. The 295 is part of Airbus Military’s family of light and medium airlifters which also includes the smaller C212 and CN235 platforms. 

(Photos: Airbus Military)

Company portrait:


Headquartered in Madrid (Spain), the company’s facilities are essentially based in the heart of the Kingdom of Spain. Its main sites are Getafe, Spain (close to Madrid) where the civil Airbus platforms are converted into Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. The other main facility is in San Pablo close to Sevilla where the complete production and final assembly of the C-212, CN-235 and C-295 takes place in an all new facility next to the A400M Final Assembly Line opened in 2007.

CASA Airbus Military is the only military and humanitarian transport aircraft manufacturer to develop, produce, sell, support and the responsibility to a comprehensive family of airlifters like the bestseller CASA C-212 Aviocar, CASA-Nurtanio CN-235, CASA C-295 and all this aircraft have their corresponding MPA versions and its new Airbus A-400M with 37 tonnes payload, aswell for the military tanker transport (MRTT) derivative of the Airbus A330, wich can be fitted with an in-house developed state-of-the art flight-refuelling boom "ARBS" Made in Spain and unique in its kind. It is also responsible for any future military derivative of civil Airbus platforms.

With the C-212 Aviocar, CN-235, C-295 and the M-400M, Airbus Military is the global leader in the market segments for light and medium-sized military transport aircraft with some 650 flying with more than 100 operators worldwide. Plus their corresponding MPA versions of the C-212, CN-235, C-295.

Airbus Military and PT Dirgantara Indonesia sign an agreement to launch upgraded version of C212 - Airbus Military

Airbus Military and PT Dirgantara Indonesia sign an agreement to launch upgraded version of C212 - Airbus Military

Long term strategic cooperation continues

In:  http://www.airbusmilitary.com/LatestNews/tabid/176/ArticleID/224/ArtMID/681/Airbus-Military-and-PT-Dirgantara-Indonesia-sign-an-agreement-to-launch-upgraded-version-of-C212.aspx

Airbus Military and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) have signed an agreement to jointly launch an upgraded version of the Airbus Military C212-400 as a further step in their long term cooperation agreement. The aircraft, renamed as NC212, will be offered to both civil and military customers and will be a highly competitive offer in the market segment of light aircraft, being equipped with new digital avionics and autopilot systems. It will also have a new civil interior for up to 28 passengers compared to the current 25, increasing its cost efficiency significantly. The NC212 will be EASA and FAA FAR 25 certified.

The agreement foresees joint development, manufacturing, commercialization and customer support to cover the needs of the civilian, cargo and military light aircraft market segments for the next decade. The potential market in this segment is estimated at 400-450 aircraft in the next ten years. A Final Assembly Line is to be set up in the PT DI facilities in Bandung. This is a further step towards increasing the cooperation between the two long-standing partners.

The NC212 is the second immediate result of the "Teaming Agreement" signed between Airbus Military and PT DI, which supports PT DI’s revitalization through specific cooperation and business development projects, and aims to achieve a long term strategic partnership between Airbus Military and PT DI in the near future. The recent order for nine CN295s from the Indonesian Government and the related C295 cooperation packages between Airbus Military and PT DI were the first immediate results of this plan, including the creation of a CN295 Delivery Centre, a light CN295 Final Assembly Line and the setting up of a Service Centre in Bandung.

Since October last year, both companies have already put in place joint working teams located in the PT DI facilities in Bandung, with Airbus Military having deployed on-site. These teams are working in industrial and commercial areas, focusing on generating new business for both companies and improving industrial capabilities, engineering processes, IT tools and know-how transfer, in order to transform PTDI into a leading aerospace company for light and medium aircraft in the Asia Pacific region.

"This is further proof of our increased cooperation with Indonesia. We see a promising future for this very competitive NC212 in many countries worldwide. With the continued support of the Indonesian Government, PT DI and Airbus Military will be able to achieve many and great things together", said Ignacio Alonso, Senior Vice President for Commercial, Strategy and Industrial Relations, Asia.

"In this new agreement, PT DI and Airbus Military will work together to manufacture and market the NC212 worldwide, offering a modernized, very competitive light military aircraft. This will result in strengthening the position of PT DI as a leading player in the region, exactly as we have set out to do in our strategic cooperation agreement with Airbus Military," said Budi Santoso, PT DI President Director.

 In his statement on this event, Boyke Mukiyat, PPA CEO said: "We are very pleased that PT DI is further strengthening its progress in its revitalization process. The increasing success of PT DI's winning more work and with the agreement to launch this upgraded NC212 they are strongly moving towards not only the revitalization but the company’s growth goals. PPA fully stands by PT DI to assist its endeavour and provide support on a timely and most efficient basis to allow PT DI to become a leading aerospace company in the region."

About Airbus Military 

Airbus Military is the only military and civic/humanitarian transport aircraft manufacturer to develop, produce, sell and support a comprehensive family of airlifters ranging from three to 45 tonnes of payload. An Airbus daughter company, Airbus Military is responsible for the A400M programme, as well as the Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A330 and for further military derivatives based on Airbus civil aircraft. Together with the smaller "Light & Medium" C295, CN235 and C212, Airbus Military is the global leader in the market for military transport, tanker and surveillance aircraft able to perform the most varied missions. Altogether, Airbus Military has sold more than 1,000 aircraft to some 130 military, civilian and governmental customers. More than 800 of these aircraft have been delivered. Airbus is an EADS company.

Comparing C295 vs. C-27J as tactical transport aircraft

Gerardo Señoráns Barcala with Airbus C295 at Paris Air Show, Le Bourget, France. Photo by Gerardo Señoráns Barcala.

Comparing C295 vs. C-27J as tactical transport aircraft

We'll try to asses the main contenders in the segment of intratheater airlifters on the base of technical facts.

1. CABIN

Length (m): C295 has 15.73 vs. C-27J has 10.53 --> C295 has the best mark
Floor Area (m2): C295 has 37.12 vs. C-27J has 25.8 --> C295 has the best mark
Volume (m3): C295 has 64 vs. C-27J has 58 --> C295 has the best mark
Troops: C295 has 71 vs. C-27J has 46 --> C295 has the best mark
Paratroops: C295 has 50 vs. C-27J has 32 --> C295 has the best mark
Pallets (88" x 108"): C295 has 5 vs. C-27J has 3 --> C295 has the best mark
Stretchers: C295 has 24 vs. C-27J has 18 --> C295 has the best mark
Roller System: C295 has 4 row (like C-130) vs. C-27J has 3 --> C295 has the best mark

2. PERFORMANCE

Range (nm): C295 has 3000 vs. C-27J has 3000 --> Equal marks
Runway required (ft / 5000kg / 1000nm): C295 has 2290 vs C-27J has 2750 --> C295 has the best mark, it has better STOL capability.
Trips needed for deployment of Rapid Reaction Force - unpaved runway (800 troops / 200 t in 48h): C295 has 37 vs. C-27J has 89 --> C295 has the best mark
Soft Runway Capability (CBR): C295 has 2 vs. C-27J has 4 --> C295 has the best mark
Payload range (t): C295 has 9 vs. C-27J has 9 --> Equal marks
Fuel consumption (max. ferry range / litre): C295 has 7700 vs. C-27J has 12300 --> C295 has the best mark, it offers fuel savings and therefore cost savings.
Endurance:  C295 has 12 hours vs. C-27J has 10 --> C295 has the best mark, it offers 2 hours more search and rescue time.
MMH/FH: C295 has 1.14 vs. C-27J has > 7 --> C295 has the best mark
FAA Certified: C295 YES vs. C-27J NO --> C295 is the only fully certified  
Maritime proven:  C295 (and CN235) is used in more than 12 countries vs. C-27J  not one--> C295 is the clear winner.

Conclusion:
According to the previous technical data, I think that is clear that C295 is superior than C-27J.


Beyond these facts, the superior multi-role C295 is proven in:

- Troop / paratrooper transport
- Cargo (pallets / equipment)
- Medical evacuation
- SAR
- Maritime patrol
- Passengers

The C295 multi-functionality makes it the superior choice as intratheater transport aircraft. No other tactical airlifter in its category can claim its clear advantages and versatility.

Important information/facts: 

What is about the system prize and the maintenance costs in general between this both types?
General: The history shows, that the G-222 / C/27 Spartan had difficulties. It was a high manitnance aircraft. All users had enormous problems to keep them in service. I remember to hear that the C-27 is the ideal transport aircraft for airshows, but not for the real tasks. 

Further information:  
The C295 offers the best value for users, with lower acquisition and direct operating costs than any other aircraft in its category. The C295 is cheaper to purchase, maintain and operate than the C-27J. The C-27J’s fuel and maintenance needs give it operational costs that are over 60% more expensive than the C295’s. 
The Spartan burnt much more fuel per hour than the C295 (as much as 60 per cent more), which meant the C295 could save as much as $300 million on fuel over the 30-year lifespan of a 10-aircraft fleet.

A greater endurance of 12 hours allows the aircrew to remain on-scene longer, collect more information, support other assets, and track targets for longer periods of time.

The C295 has more modern aerodynamics and non-hydraulic flight controls than the C-27J Spartan.

It's the only two-engine aircraft in its class that can carry five pallets, providing additional flexibility for intra-theater lift, with a cargo cabin that is the largest of any medium-sized military transport. The C295 can hold a "Hummer" wheeled vehicle with free space to spare. Since C295 has a longer fuselage it can carry more cargo pallets than the C-27J. C295 comes with a nifty pallet loading system, and is cheaper to maintain and fly. 


Note: The Airbus CN-235MSP (HC-144A’s MSP) like the C295MPA is approximately 90 percent similar to the systems found on the HC-130H and HC-130J Long Range Surveillance aircraft, enabling commonality in training and operation.

The C295 has seen wide operational service, including missions to support coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US Army originally wanted the C295. 

Note: The USAF had bought some C-27/G-222 in the eighties, and they were mothballed, because of diverse and huge technical problems. The same occurs in other air forces.

C295's ease of maintenance and low life cycle cost, as well as its operational capabilities represent a clear advantage over any other competitor.

Is this aircraft the Royal Australian Air Force and what the Royal Canadian Air Force need?

Gerardo Señoráns Barcala

International Relations

Airbus C295 the best option to replace the Canadian CC-115 Buffalo

The Canadian Air Force currently employs a mixed fleet of six CC-115 Buffalos plus approximately 10 older-model CC-130 Hercules for fixed wing search and rescue (FWSAR) duties. The Buffalo is primarily used in the mountainous regions on Canada’s West Coast while the Hercules is used for longer-range missions, for example in the Arctic or over the Atlantic. Both fleets of aircraft are reaching the end of their useful lives and require replacement.

Rejuvenating Canada’s FWSAR capability makes compelling operational and economic sense. The two aircraft fleets currently being used have reached or exceeded their planned service lives and should be replaced. New aircraft should be more reliable, more capable and potentially more economical, allowing the Government to ensure the cost-effective delivery of SAR to Canadians and others.

The C295 represents the best oper­a­tional and acqui­si­tion value for Canada’s Fixed Wing Search and Res­cue (FWSAR) air­craft require­ment – offer­ing a mission-proven plat­form.

The C295 offers an opti­mised air­frame for SAR. With the largest cabin volume and floor space in its class, the C295 is the only air­craft with ade­quate space for all SAR gear and mis­sion sys­tems, plus com­fort­able crew rest and prepa­ra­tion areas.

C295 has the longest cargo bay in its segment of airlifters. The plane is able to take off and land in a short distance carrying full loads. C295 is able to accomplish its mission, flying in bad weather conditions in frequent rain zones and also in the opposite end in arid or desert zones. C295 has been proved in extreme hot conditions, humidity or cold conditions, wherever it's needed. The plane is ready to operate on not-paved or semi-prepared runways. In short, the C295 operates well in wild domains.

C295 has bubble spotter windows provide excellent visibility, including beneath the aircraft – an advantage already demonstrated during a U.S. Coast Guard HC144A (CN235) rescue mission of downed pilots at sea.

Proven and operated daily in the most challenging environments worldwide, the C295 design enables operations in storm force winds, with a crosswind limit of 30 kts. and airport winds in excess of 60 kts. – each of which are considered standard for North Atlantic and Arctic SAR operations.

Highlighted C295 performances:

SAFETY: takeoff and land with a crosswind of 30 knots & operate with airport winds in excess of 50 knots. It's optimized to safely operate in the 110-130 kts flight envelope
specified in the Canadian National SAR Manual

RANGE: with max range of 3040 nm all of Canada’s SAR area of responsibility can
be reached within one crew day.

SPACE: largest cabin volume and floor space in its class (12.69m), the only aircraft with adequate space for all SAR equipment and crew. Cabin dimensions optimized for special operations and SAR.

AIRDROP: certified & operational in 450lb aerial delivery by static line, lateralparachute doors and ramp.

SEARCH: spotter windows provide full panoramic coverage beneath the aircraft.

INTEROPERABILITY: with U.S. Coast Guard CN235

C295 vs C-27J in SAR role

CABIN

- Operators in SAR: C295 has 12 vs C-27J has 0. The best mark is for C295.

- Spotter windows: C295 has four vs C-27J has 0. The best mark is for C295.

- Unobstructed view underneth the aircraft: C295 YES vs C-27j NO. The best mark is for C295.

- Storage of all SAR gear, crew rest & preparation: C295 YES vs C-27J NO. The best mark is for C295

- Space for extra SAR: C295 YES vs C-27J NO. The best mark is for C295.

- Ramp size (m2): C295 has 7.17 vs C-27J has 4.78. The best mark is for C295.

PERFORMANCE

- Search speed in SAR configuration within 110-130 knots: C295 YES vs C-27J NO. The best mark is for C295.

- Crosswind limit (kts): C295 has 30 vs C-27J has 25. The best mark is for C295.

- Max wind speed takeoff/landing: C295 has 60 vs C-27J has 45. The best mark is for C295.

Title: F-35 in http://www.jsf.mil/f35/f35_technology.htm

Title: F-35 in http://www.jsf.mil/f35/f35_technology.htm

 Autonomic Logistics (AL)
Because logistics support accounts for two-thirds of an aircraft's life cycle cost, the F-35 will achieve unprecedented levels of reliability and maintainability, combined with a highly responsive support and training system linked with the latest in information technology. The aircraft will be ready to fight anytime and anyplace. Autonomic Logistics (AL) is a seamless, embedded solution that integrates current performance, operational parameters, current configuration, scheduled upgrades and maintenance, component history, predictive diagnostics (prognostics) and health management, and service support for the F-35. Essentially, AL does invaluable and efficient behind-the-scenes monitoring, maintenance and prognostics to support the aircraft and ensure its continued good health.

Commonality Commonality is the key to affordability – on the assembly line; in shared-wing platforms; in common systems that enhance maintenance, field support and service interoperability; and in almost 100 percent commonality of the avionics suite. Component commonality across all three variants reduces unique spares requirements and the logistics footprint. In addition to reduced flyaway costs, the F-35 is designed to affordably integrate new technology during its entire life cycle.

Distributed Aperture System In a joint effort with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems will provide key electronic sensors for the F-35, which includes spearheading the work on the Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS). This system will provide pilots with a unique protective sphere around the aircraft for enhanced situational awareness, missile warning, aircraft warning, day/night pilot vision, and fire control capability.

Diverterless Inlet The F-35's diverterless inlet lightens the overall weight of the aircraft. Traditional aircraft inlets were comprised of many moving parts and are much heavier than newer diverterless inlets. The diverterless inlet also eliminates all moving parts.

Electro-Optical Targeting System Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control and Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems are jointly providing key electronic sensors for the F-35 to include the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS). The internally mounted EOTS will provide extended range detection and precision targeting against ground targets, plus long range detection of air-to-air threats.

Helmet Mounted Display System Vision Systems International, LLC (VSI) is developing the most advanced and capable Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) for the F-35. Utilizing extensive design experience gained on successful production Helmet Mounted Displays (HMD), the F-35 HMDS will replace the traditional Head-Up-Display (HUD) while offering true sensor fusion.

Integrated Communications, Navigation and Identification Avionics
Northrop Grumman Space Technology's integrated avionics satisfy the requirements for greatly increased functionalities within extreme space and weight limitations via modular hardware that could be dynamically programmed to reconfigure for multiple functions. This "smart"-box approach delivers increased performance, quicker deployment, higher availability, enhanced scalability and lower life cycle costs.

Interoperability
The F-35 will have the most robust communications suite of any fighter aircraft built to date. The F-35 will be the first fighter to possess a satellite communications capability that integrates beyond line of sight communications throughout the spectrum of missions it is tasked to perform. The F-35 will contain the most modern tactical datalinks which will provide the sharing of data among its flight members as well as other airborne, surface and ground-based platforms required to perform assigned missions. The commitment of JSF partner nations to common communications capabilities and web-enabled logistics support will enable a new level of coalition interoperability. These capabilities allow the F-35 to lead the defense community in the migration to the net-centric warfighting force of the future.

Low Observability
An integrated airframe design, advanced materials and an axisymmetric nozzle maximize the F-35's stealth features.

Multi-Function Display System
An 8"x20" Multi-Function Display System (MFDS) will be the panoramic projection display for the F-35. MFDS employs leading edge technology in projection engine architecture, video, compression, illumination module controls and processing memory – all of which will make the MFDS the most advanced tactical display. One-gigabyte-per-second data interfaces will enable the MFDS to display six full motion images simultaneously. The adaptable layout will be easily reconfigurable for different missions or mission segments. Projection display technology will provide a high-luminance, high-contrast, and high-resolution picture with no viewing angle effect.

Multi-Mission Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar
Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems is developing the Multi-Mission Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar for the F-35. This advanced multi-function radar has gone through extensive flight demonstrations during the Concept Demonstration Phase (CDP). The radar will enable the F-35 JSF pilot to effectively engage air and ground targets at long range, while also providing outstanding situational awareness for enhanced survivability.

Propulsion
The F-35 Propulsion Systems are the most powerful fighter/attack turbofans in the world. There are two manufacturers with propulsion systems currently being tested. The propulsion systems are interchangeable and both will power the F-35. There are two major engine variants for the F-35. One engine will power the CTOL and CV versions of the aircraft, while the other will power the STOVL version. The F135 engine is made by Pratt & Whitney, the F136 by a team, known as the Fighter Engine Team comprised of General Electric and Rolls-Royce. Both the F135 and the F136 STOVL engines will utilize common exhaust and Lift System systems.

F135
The Pratt & Whitney F135 family of advanced propulsion systems utilize cutting edge technology to provide the F-35 with higher performance than conventional fighter aircraft. The engine consists of a 3-stage fan, a 6-stage compressor, an annular combustor, a single stage high-pressure turbine, and a 2 stage low-pressure turbine.

The F135 is currently in the SDD phase. The F135 is using the lessons learned from the F119 engine core and the JSF119 during the CDA stage to reduce risk in SDD. During SDD the F135 test engines will undergo a range of ground and flight tests to simulate various mission profiles. In these tests the system demonstration engines will be run for hours throughout various flight envelopes to ensure they meet performance requirements. One of the vital milestone tests occured at the end of 2003 with the first F135 engine to test.

The first CTOL F135 engine test occurred on 11 October 2003. The first STOVL F135 engine test occurred on 14 April 2004. To date over 2,000 hours have been accumulated on the F135 test engines.

F136
The GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team (FET) F136 engine is currently in the Pre-SDD phase. The objective of the F136 Pre-SDD phase is to reduce risk prior to entering SDD. The FET is utilizing technology developed from previous aircraft engine programs to design this engine. The F136 engine consists of a 3-stage fan, 5-stage compressor, a 3-stage low-pressure turbine section and a single stage high-pressure turbine.

The F136 team will transition into the SDD phase of their program later in 2005. The F135 and F136 teams are working closely to develop common propulsion system components.

The first CTOL F136 engine to test occurred on 22 July 2004. The first STOVL F136 engine to test occurred on 10 February 2005. To date, the F136 team has accumulated over 130 hours of engine tests.

Rolls-Royce Lift System
While Rolls-Royce is a member of the Fighter Engine Team with GE on the F136, they are also subcontracted to Pratt & Whitney on the F135 to provide the Lift System for the F-35. The Lift System is comprised of the Lift Fan, Clutch, Drive Shaft, Roll Posts and the Three Bearing Swivel Module (3BSM).

Shaft Driven Lift Fan (SDLF)
Lockheed Martin developed the idea for a Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL) lift system that uses a vertically oriented Shaft Driven Lift Fan (SDLF). A two-stage low-pressure turbine on the engine provides the horsepower necessary to power the Rolls-Royce designed Lift Fan. The Lift Fan generates a column of cool air that provides nearly 20,000 pounds of lifting power using variable inlet guide vanes to modulate the airflow, along with an equivalent amount of thrust from the downward vectored rear exhaust to lift the aircraft. The Lift Fan utilizes a clutch that engages the shaft drive system for STOVL operations. Because the lift fan extracts power from the engine, exhaust temperatures are reduced by about 200 degrees compared to traditional STOVL systems.

The SDLF concept was successfully demonstrated through a Large Scale Powered Model (LSPM) in 1995-96 and during the flight-testing of the X-35B during the summer of 2001. The Lift Fan, a patented Lockheed Martin concept, was developed and produced by Rolls-Royce Corp. in Indianapolis, Indiana and in Bristol, England.

Robust Structure
Continuous tailhook-to-nose-gear structure and catapult-compatible nose gear launch system are strengthened for catapult and arresting loads.

Sophisticated Cockpit The F-35 provides its pilot with unsurpassed situational awareness, positive target identification and precision strike under any weather condition. Mission systems integration and outstanding over-the-nose visibility features are designed to dramatically enhance pilot performance.

Weapons Integration
The F-35 will employ a variety of US and allied weapons. From JDAMs to Sidewinders to the UK Storm Shadow, the F-35 has been designed to carry either internally or externally a large array of weapons.