Boeing validates JSF design

Citation

(2000), "Boeing validates JSF design", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 72 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2000.12772eab.023

Boeing validates JSF design

Boeing validates JSF design

Keywords Boeing, Military, Aircraft, Testing

It is reported that the Boeing Joint Strike Fighter One Team has begun validating the radar, antenna and stealth performance of its concept for the operational Joint Strike Fighter using a high-fidelity, full-scale aircraft model. The JSF model also will be used to fully validate proprietary technologies in stealth supportability and maintainability.

The supportable electromagnetics test aircraft model was completed on schedule and under budget. Testing is under way at the Boeing compact radar cross-section test range in Seattle.

Together with the X-32A and B concept demonstrators and the 737 Avionics Flying Lab, the model completes the JSF One Team's family of test vehicles. These test aircraft will fully validate all critical aspects of the Boeing JSF design and assure a low-risk transition into the next phase of the program – engineering and manufacturing development.

"The model is an extremely high-fidelity representation of our design and maintains close linkage with our overall vehicle configuration", said Fred May, director of JSF aircraft development. "Our radar cross-section tests have already verified that we will meet service requirements for stealth. The final results will guarantee the validity of our estimates for both survivability and the maintenance of low-observable features." May said the model's signature (stealth) components are flight-quality parts built in production shops, which provide risk-reduction benefits in EMD cost and performance.