F-35 Lightning II: A boon or a curse?

Eglin Air Force Base this week received delivery of the first of its F-35 Lightning II Full Mission Simulator systems by Lockheed Martin. The base’s 33rd Fighter Wing will be using the simulator. Lockheed Martin is a global security company, which is headquartered in Bethesda, Md. It has about 126,000 people working for them globally and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

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F-35 Lightning II will be the ultimate toy for flight gaming pilots. A high-fidelity 360-degree visual display system is included in the F-35 Lightning II Full Mission Simulator (FMS) system. It also has a reconfigurable cockpit that can simulate all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II for U.S. and international partner services.The three variants are the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35A, the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B and the F-35C carrier variant.

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Lockheed has made special provisions in the system so as to train the pilots for its fifth generation, multi-role F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The simulator allows for software upgrades in step with F-35 development and also uses the same software used in the actual aircraft. This helps the pilots, as the system would accurately replicates all F-35 sensors and weapons deployment making them familiar the overall working of the plane and also making their experience more realistic.

There are many shortfalls found in the F-35 lightning II when compared to the other conventional warplanes available on the market. Boeing made the X-32 handle short takeoffs and vertical landings more efficiently than the F-35 Lightning II. Boeing’s X-32 used a Harrier-style system of directed thrust nozzles for its STOVL variant, which is simpler and more reliable than Lockheed’s system. For takeoff and landings, the F-35B’s engine nozzle rotates down, a unique lift fan behind the pilot starts up, and all manner of doors and ports and hatches need to open. All of these complications have created problems for Lockheed to sell itself as a production aircraft.

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The first step toward a planned F-35 pilot and maintenance training center is taken at the Eglin airbase by the Installation of the simulator. Post completion of the installation, the F-35 training center will include electronic classrooms, simulators and other training opportunities. Preparation and assembly of the Lockheed Martin-built system is now underway at Eglin Air Force Base's F-35 Integrated Training Center (ITC), with training due to commence later this year.

Via: Lockheed Martin