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Successful Completion of First Simulated Test Flight of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Using Simulink Generated Code

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A significant milestone has been achieved in the development of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter with the successful completion of its first simulated test flight using Simulink generated code. Lockheed Martin's Chief Test Pilot, Jon Beesley, conducted an unrestricted evaluation flight in the F-35 real-time simulator, lasting over two hours, and performing a wide range of maneuvers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The first simulated test flight of the F-35 JSF was successfully completed using Simulink generated code, marking a significant milestone in the development of the aircraft.
  • Lockheed Martin's Chief Test Pilot, Jon Beesley, conducted the flight in the F-35 real-time simulator for over two hours, performing various maneuvers.
  • The control law software developed by Lockheed Martin's JSF Flight Control Application Software team using MATLAB, Simulink, Stateflow, and Real-Time Workshop Embedded Coder performed flawlessly throughout the tests.
  • The F-35 JSF is considered the single most important new military aircraft to be produced over the next 30 years, with 2,593 aircraft planned for deployment.
  • The flight-control system of the F-35 JSF offers challenging requirements, which have been addressed using a model-based design approach with Simulink and Stateflow.
  • The use of Simulink generated code has reduced software development costs and enabled the completion of this milestone on the way to first flight.
  • The F-35 JSF family includes a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, an aircraft carrier version (CV), and a short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant, which provide unique requirements for the flight-control system.
  • Lockheed Martin and The MathWorks have worked closely for several years to enable the development of advanced control design systems technology for the JSF project.
  • The MathWorks has incorporated enhancements into Simulink 5.1, the latest release, which enable engineers to work with significantly larger models and reduce downtime when modeling, simulating, and implementing designs.

Statistics:

  • 2,593 aircraft planned for deployment
  • F-35 JSF is considered the single most important new military aircraft to be produced over the next 30 years
  • Duration of the simulated test flight: over two hours
  • Performance results: "very good" with several minor items for refinement
  • Software development cost savings: not specified
  • Number of personnel working on the JSF project: not specified

Sources:

  • [The MathWorks and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Press Release, January 26, 2003]
  • [The MathWorks Website, http://www.mathworks.com/]
  • [Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Website, http://www.lockheedmartin.com/]
  • [The MathWorks, Inc. About Us, http://www.mathworks.com/company/aboutus/index.html]

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