Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
5d ago

Lockheed Martin Shifts Focus to Upgraded F-35 After NGAD Loss

Following Boeing's F-47 win, Lockheed plans to enhance the F-35 with NGAD-derived technologies to deliver 80% of sixth-generation capabilities at half the cost.

Image
Lockheed Martin's CEO, James Taiclet, said he wants to improve the F-35 to the point that it can match 80% of sixth-generation aircraft capabilities.

Overview

  • Lockheed Martin has officially decided not to protest its loss in the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) competition to Boeing's F-47 fighter jet.
  • The company aims to integrate advanced stealth, tracking systems, and weapons technology from its NGAD bid into a 'fifth-generation-plus' F-35 upgrade.
  • CEO James Taiclet has challenged engineers to achieve 80% of sixth-generation capabilities for the F-35 at 50% of the cost of the F-47.
  • The F-35 program faces delays and cost overruns in its Technology Refresh-3 upgrades, which are 98% complete but lack a confirmed combat-ready date.
  • Lockheed plans to sustain its current production rate of 156 F-35 jets annually, relying on strong international demand to offset potential reductions in U.S. orders.