Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeTechCost of Block 4 upgrade for F-35 fighter increased by another $1.4...

Cost of Block 4 upgrade for F-35 fighter increased by another $1.4 billion to $16.5 billion

-


Cost of Block 4 upgrade for F-35 fighter increased by another .4 billion to .5 billion

The cost of the F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter development program continues to rise. In particular, the modernization of Block 4 will cost $1.4 billion more than planned.

What is known

The corresponding statement was made by the Accounts Chamber (Government Accountability Office). The agency’s annual report says that the cost of upgrading Block 4 has increased by another $1.4 billion and now stands at $16.5 billion.


The Accounts Chamber focused on the need to improve the engine. To do this, the US Department of Defense will have to allocate approximately $38 billion.

A power system based on specifications that were developed years ago is unable to meet the cooling needs of the F-35 Lightning II’s complex avionics. Also, its power is not enough to satisfy the new features that will appear in the Block 4 upgrade.


At the end of the first quarter, the US Air Force declaredthat the modernization of Block 4 will determine the role of the aircraft in future battles. All three versions of the fifth generation fighter (F-35A, F-35B and F-35C) will be upgraded.

Block 4 aircraft will have an AN/APG-85 radar station with an active phased array antenna. The radar, developed by Northrop Grumman, will be a replacement for the AN / APG-81 AESA and will be compatible exclusively with the F-35.


In addition, Block 4 will bring an electro-optical aiming system, a new situational awareness system, and the ability to launch GBU-53 StormBreaker bombs. The full list of innovations in the modernization of the US Air Force is kept secret.

Block 4 will be based on Technology Refresh 3. US Air Force promise prepare an upgrade that will improve the aircraft’s computing electronics in December 2023, but it may be delayed until next spring. Tests of the F-35 TR-3 began in January of this year.

Source: Bloomberg





Source link

gagadget.com

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular