Lockheed Martin reported that the first F-35 fighters upgraded to the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) configuration cannot be delivered this year.
“We have updated our F-35 TR-3 schedule projections with a first TR-3 aircraft delivery between April and June 2024”, Lockheed Martin (LM) reported. It previously expected to deliver the first modernized aircraft later this year.
See also: First F-35 upgraded to Technology Refresh 3 configuration took off
This situation has a negative impact on the planned delivery schedule. The company expects to deliver 97 aircraft this year with the current technology (TR-2), compared to the 100-120 it had previously planned. This is the case of Belgium, which refused to accept its first two F-35A fighters, which were considered “technically unsatisfactory” because they did not come with the agreed TR-3 upgrades.
According to LM’s statement, the revised delivery schedule for the F-35 TR-3 is due to delays by supplier L3Harris Technologies in the development of the Integrated Core Processor: “the development of the Integrated Core Processor by L3 Harris has driven delays due to unexpected challenges associated with hardware and software development, component and system integration testing and system qualification testing”.
In an emailed response to Reuters, L3Harris says it overcame early design problems and delivered a fully qualifiable ICP to Lockheed Martin more than a year ago.
“We continue to work closely with Lockheed to support them in integrating their software into the TR3 hardware. L3Harris remains fully committed to the F-35 program,” added L3Harris.
What is Technology Refresh 3?
Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) modernization significantly improves the aircraft’s processing and memory capacity, which will enable the F-35 to run advanced software packed with next-generation fighter capabilities. The TR-3’s enhanced processors and more powerful memory provide the computational power needed to support the modernized capabilities of the F-35’s highly anticipated Block 4.
These capabilities will include a new radar (the AN/APG-85), new electronic warfare capabilities, more and new weapons (including nuclear capability), improvements to its optronic detection systems (DAS and EOTS), enhancements to self-diagnostic systems, as well as better interoperability with fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, and an upgraded F135 engine.
