The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program continues to make good progress.
While the US Air Force’s first operational JSFs will not enter service until 2012, the first version of the data management system that will serve as the information backbone of the JSF maintenance and support network is already operational.
On 1 May 2007 the JSF Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) was switched on at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics headquarters in Fort Worth.
Each JSF aircraft is being designed to be able to constantly monitor its own systems and automatically relay information to its home base. In turn, ALIS will provide an information infrastructure that captures, analyses, identifies and communicates JSF characteristics and data, providing information and decision support for every JSF operator globally, on land or at sea.
"No such system has ever been activated so early in a military aircraft program, and with up to 4,500 JSFs to support in the coming years, the magnitude of its importance is clear," said Dan Crowley, Lockheed Martin Executive Vice President and JSF Program General Manager.
In proving the ALIS concept, the system will begin capturing real time flight test data from JSF test aircraft AA-1 which has completed 17 flights to date.
“As one of nine international Partners in the JSF Program, Australia is keenly monitoring ALIS’ implementation. A sophisticated data management system, added to JSF’s inherent reliability, will be key to the cost effective operation and support of the future JSF fleet,” said Air Vice Marshal John Harvey, Program Manager of Australia’s New Air Combat Capability project.
By the time the Australian Government decides in 2008 whether to purchase the JSF, the aircraft and its systems will have been subject to more detailed technical analysis than any other defence project in Australia’s history.
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Another First with JSF Progress – JSF Maintenance and Support Network Switched On
