Lockheed Martin [LMT] said Monday its Integrated Test Force Teams are successfully completing the requirements of the F-35 program’s System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase.

In recent months the company said it has completed testing for the F-35A’s final envelope involving risk ‘edge of the envelope’ maneuvers. This entails stressing the aircraft to its structural strength, vehicle systems performance, and aerodynamics limits while also providing “excellent handling qualities.”

Hill Air Force Base F-35As fly in formation over the Utah Test and Training Range, March 30, 2017. (U.S. Air Force photo/R. Nial Bradshaw)
Hill Air Force Base F-35As fly in formation over the Utah Test and Training Range, March 30, 2017. (U.S. Air Force photo/R. Nial Bradshaw)

The teams also completed all United Kingdom weapon delivery accuracy tests for the AIM-132, ASRAAM, and Paveway IV weapons. Lockheed Martin completed 45 of 50 SDD Weapon Delivery Accuracy tests including multiple target and multiple shot engagements as well as internal gun and centerline external pod 25 mm gun accuracy tests.

Another SDD activity was when the company performed multi-ship mission effectiveness tests, which includes Offensive Counter-Air and Maritime Interdiction. These tests demonstrated the performance of the F-35, Lockheed Martin said.

The remaining development flight testing will include validating the final release of 3F software, F-35B ski jump testing, F-35B austere site operations, high-MACH Loads testing for the F-35B and F-35C, and completion of remaining weapons delivery accuracy tests.

“We are well positioned to complete air vehicle full 3F and mission systems software development by the end of 2017,” Jeff Babione, Lockheed Martin executive vice president and F-35 Program General Manager, said in a statement.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) earlier this year said that the F-35 Joint Program Office estimates for completing the SDD testing for the 3F software configuration are overly optimistic based on historical precedent (Defense Daily, April 24).

GAO estimated a 12-month delay for the 3F, based on previous flight-test data, which could cost over $1.7 billion. F-35 program officials disagreed and said they anticipated a five-month delay in SDD completion of 3F at a cost of $532 million.

Lockheed Martin also highlighted the F-35 has now exceeded 100,000 flight hours.

“This 100K milestone marks a significant level of maturity for the program and the F-35 weapons system,” Babione added.