Lockheed Martin F-35s delivered with ‘robust' TR-3 training software

Lockheed Martin is delivering F-35 Lightning IIs with a “robust” but not yet combat-capable version of the Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3) software, according to the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO), which administers acquisitions on behalf of the aircraft's customers.

The new software build marks an improvement over the TR-3 hardware and software load delivered starting in July, when the JPO resumed accepting aircraft following a year-long suspension. The improvements include updates to displays, added computer memory, and increased processing power, the JPO told Janes .

The JPO and Lockheed Martin said in a joint statement that they have “reached an agreement for the acceptance and delivery of TR-3-enabled aircraft with robust combat training capability. As part of the agreement, the JPO will withhold a portion of final aircraft delivery payments from Lockheed Martin until TR-3 combat capability is qualified and delivered”.

The JPO said that the withheld payments amount to approximately USD5 million per aircraft, which will be held back until a combat-ready version of TR-3 is delivered.

“Additionally, Lockheed Martin and its industry partners are making significant investments in development labs and digital infrastructure that benefit the F-35 enterprise's speed and agility in fielding capabilities to the most advanced and connected fighter jet,” the statement said.

Lockheed Martin declined to detail the investments.