The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is
currently participating in a series of realistic simulated battlespace environments
that test its mission system tactical data interoperability with other UK military
platforms in the air/maritime environments.
In the latest simulated maritime scenario,
Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and US Navy pilots operated the F-35 mission system
using Lockheed Martin desk top simulators at BAE System's UK Samlesbury site. The scenario saw the F-35 successfully linked
with a Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (SKASaC) helicopter, the
Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, and a Type 45 Daring-class destroyer. SyntheSys was responsible for establishing and
maintaining the data exchange mechanism used in support of the Type 45
participation.
This latest UK Lightning II
Interoperability event and a previous event
saw the real systems of the Queen Elizabeth-class Carrier, Type 45 and the Sentry
E-3D operated with the UK Lightning II and
other platform desk top simulators. Both
the Type 45 and Sentry E-3D arrangements are noteworthy because they utilise UK
Multi-Link Test Facility (MLTF) equipment that enables tactical data exchange using
real Command and Mission System equipment.
SyntheSys provides the MLTF capability to
the UK MOD, operating and supporting it for all Tactical Data Interoperability
testing needs. Use of the MLTF equipment
in these initial Interoperability tests provides confidence that the UK
Lightning II can be readily incorporated
into the UK operational tactical data exchange architecture.
Further UK Lightning II Interoperability events are planned. A second phase of
testing covering both maritime and air/land integration scenarios will run from
2014 to 2017. This phase will include other key UK military platforms and full
integration of the Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (SKASaC)
helicopter mission systems facility which also utilises the SyntheSys MLTF
capability.
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