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SW-Version alpha 0.41
Darstellung: System
Sprache: DE

Avionics Suite

3. Avionics Suite

The F-35's avionics consist of four tightly integrated main systems, linked by a central fusion engine into a unified tactical picture [13].

AN/APG-81 AESA Radar

Developed by Northrop Grumman, the AN/APG-81 is a third-generation Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) with approximately 1,676 Transmit/Receive Modules (TRMs) based on GaAs (gallium arsenide) [14].

Operating Modes:

  • Air-to-Air: Long-range detection, Track-While-Scan, multiple target engagement
  • Air-to-Ground: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI)
  • Electronic Warfare: Directed RF energy for jamming enemy emitters
  • LPI (Low Probability of Intercept): Frequency agility and power management

The system received the 2010 David Packard Award for acquisition excellence [14].

AN/AAQ-37 EO-DAS (Distributed Aperture System)

Six MWIR (Medium-Wave Infrared) sensors distributed across the aircraft provide complete 360-degree infrared coverage [15]. Functions include:

  • Missile warning and tracking
  • IRST (Infrared Search and Track)
  • Ballistic missile tracking with a range of up to 1,300 km
  • Night navigation and landing

Starting from Lot 15, the original Northrop Grumman system is being replaced by a next-gen version from RTX/Raytheon [16].

AN/AAQ-40 EOTS (Electro-Optical Targeting System)

Developed by Lockheed Martin, the EOTS is the world's first conformally integrated electro-optical targeting system [17]. It combines:

  • Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR)
  • Infrared Search and Track (IRST)
  • Laser designator and Laser Spot Tracker
  • NAVFLIR (Navigation FLIR)

The Advanced EOTS upgrade (from Block 4) introduces SWIR (Short-Wave Infrared) sensors and HDTV resolution [18].

AN/ASQ-242 CNI Suite

The Communications, Navigation and Identification (CNI) suite from Northrop Grumman integrates over 27 avionics functions into a Software-Defined Radio system [19]. It includes:

  • MADL (Multifunction Advanced Data Link)
  • Link-16 tactical data link
  • IFF (Identification Friend or Foe)
  • Precision navigation (GPS/INS)
  • Voice and data communications

References

[13] Lockheed Martin: F-35 Mission Systems Design, Development, and Verification (PDF)
[14] Northrop Grumman: AN/APG-81 AESA Fire Control Radar
[15] Wikipedia: AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System
[16] RTX / Raytheon: Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System
[17] Lockheed Martin: F-35 Electro Optical Targeting System (EOTS)
[18] Lockheed Martin: EOTS Product Card (PDF)
[19] Northrop Grumman: 100th Communications, Navigation, and Identification System Delivered. 2013 (GlobeNewsWire)