F-35 Sensor Fusion Architecture Detailed
An analysis from White Eagle Aerospace breaks down the F-35's sensor fusion architecture, which merges data from radar, infrared, electronic warfare, and targeting systems into a single real-time tactical view. This integrated system is designed to reduce pilot workload. A separate video showcased the F-35B's flight control system dynamically adjusting nozzle angles to maintain stability during a vertical landing.
- The core processing hardware underpinning the sensor fusion is part of the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrade, which provides 25 times more computing power than previous systems to handle the data from the various sensors and enable future capabilities planned for the Block 4 modernization. - The Northrop Grumman AN/APG-81 AESA radar, a key data source, contains 1,676 transceiver modules and provides not only traditional air-to-air and high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) mapping modes but also serves as an electronic warfare aperture for electronic attack and support measures. - A 360-degree spherical view is provided by the AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System (DAS), which consists of six high-resolution infrared sensors mounted around the airframe. This system has demonstrated the ability to detect and track ballistic missiles from ranges exceeding 800 miles (1,300 km). - For precision targeting, the Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-40 Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) is the first sensor to combine forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and infrared search and track (IRST) functions into a single stealthy unit, linked to the core processor via a high-speed fiber-optic interface. - The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) is utilizing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to manage the complexity of the Block 4 upgrades, moving away from traditional paper-based engineering to a digitized approach where the JPO and contractors share digital models. - Lockheed Martin is integrating AI and machine learning at the edge with "Project Overwatch," which uses an AI
