EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Northrop Grumman has outlined its future software updates for the F-35 Lightning II STOVL variant.
"Between now and spring 2008, Northrop Grumman plans to deliver three more rounds of software updates for the short take-off and vertical landing software modules," the company said in a statement Monday.
The packages will be delivered to Lockheed Martin, which is the prime contractor on the F-35.
The three packages, the company said, are "ground test release, which will be used during initial power-up and taxi tests of the F-35B; Flight candidate release, which provides the core of software used during initial flight; and flight test update, which provides any updates or additional software capabilities required for flight testing."
"As a principal member of the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 global industry team, Northrop Grumman plays a critical role in the development and production of the weapons system. The company's contributions include: producing and integrating a major section of aircraft's structure; producing key radar and electro-optical subsystems; producing key avionics and communications subsystems; developing mission systems and mission-planning software; developing pilot and maintenance training systems; and developing logistic support hardware and software," the statement said.
