The fifth-generation fighter F-35 Lightning II will not undergo Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrade in 2023. Airplane upgrade
What is known
The US Department of Defense will not delaymodernization of the fighter on the back burner. This was announced by Lieutenant General Michael Schmidt (Michael Schmidt), executive director of the F-35 program, during a hearing in the House Armed Services Subcommittee. The joint office of the F-35 program plans to upgrade the aircraft in April 2024, i.e. 1 year late.
</ img>
On the other hand, Lockheed Martinpromises to have TR-3 ready in December 2023. Michael Schmidt does not exclude that the modernization of the fifth generation fighters may begin between these two dates.
TR-3 is a critical upgradeaircraft computer electronics. This is a necessary step before the Block 4 upgrade, which will bring advanced electronic warfare capabilities to all versions of the fighter - F-35A, F-35B and F-35C.
</ img>
As part of TR-3, the computing core will be improvedaircraft, including avionics and processor. Earlier this year, the US Air Force conducted the first test of the F-35 in the new configuration. The tests will continue throughout 2023.
According to Schmidt, the next updatesoftware will happen in about a month. This will be a critical update that will "open up most of the available tactical options" so the military can conduct more thorough flight testing.
</ img>
As for the modernization of Block 4, many of itsthe specifics remain classified. All we know is that the F-35 will receive Northrop Grumman's AN/APG-85 active phased array radar, a new electro-optical targeting system, and will be able to carry StormBreaker smart bombs.