Boeing Validates JSF Design With High-Fidelity Stealth Model
SEATTLE, April 18, 2000 -- 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.
Testing of the model also will demonstrate Boeing advancements in supportable low-observable technologies, which have been fully integrated into the Preferred Weapon System Concept. These technologies will provide dramatic reductions in support and maintenance costs compared to currently fielded stealth aircraft.
Key features of the model include the antenna apertures for communication/navigation/identification and electronic warfare propulsion components, radar and radome, doors and access panels, moveable control surfaces, a functional weapons bay, specialized lighting and coatings, and a canopy.
Boeing took advantage of resources across the company and throughout its JSF One Team to design, build and test the model. Boeing Phantom Works was instrumental in both technology integration and the design and manufacture of model hardware, including edge assemblies, door and panel seals, antennas, the radome, and exterior lighting and finishes. JSF One Team member Pratt & Whitney supplied propulsion-system components, and Raytheon supplied a high-fidelity radar array and special optical windows. BAE SYSTEMS, Sanders and Ball Aerospace also aided in the development of the model.
The team used integrated digital design tools and lean manufacturing and assembly processes similar to those used successfully on both X-32 concept demonstrators.
Design and manufacture of the model took less than 14 months.
Boeing, the world's largest producer of fighter aircraft, is competing to build the JSF under a four-year U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps concept demonstration contract, while also defining the design for the operational JSF. A winner is scheduled to be selected in 2001.
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Note To Editors: A photo of the Supportable Electromagnetics Test Aircraft model is available at the Boeing Web site under "News" or by calling (206) 655-1198.
Contact Info:
Mike Tull
(206) 655-1198
Chick Ramey
(206) 662-0949
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