We reported on the move to full production of the F/A-22 in the April 27 Defense Electronics News & Analysis newsletter. The story was entitled "DoD approves the F/A-22 Raptor aircraft for full rate production." This decision was made by the Defense Acquisition Board in late March and was released in April. Recently, we asked Lockheed Martin to comment on the opportunities that will present themselves for the major F/A-22 electronics subsystem suppliers. Here is their reply:

"It is a major validation of years of design, research, development, manufacturing, testing and performance," according to John E. Paquet, director, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, F/A-22 Mission Systems and Software. "As far as the Raptor's electronics suppliers are concerned, it is big business. From coast to coast there are major suppliers such as Northrop Grumman in San Diego, who is supplying the radar and the communication navigation and identification system—to BAE Systems, Nashua, NH, manufacturer of the Raptor's electronic warfare system and its stores management system. Other suppliers of the principal electronic systems include Raytheon who is furnishing the common integrated processor, Lockheed Martin, the missile launch detector, and Rockwell Collins (Kaiser) the head down display.

"The full-rate production decision is enabling all Raptor electronics suppliers to realize they are making a real difference in the production of this revolutionary fighter," said Paquet.

These electronics suppliers have contributed to the Raptor’s performance described by the Air Force in February of this year as 'overwhelmingly effective' during the initial operational test and evaluation. With follow-on test and evaluation planned by the Air Force for this summer and initial operational capability expected in December, the future for the Raptor's electronics suppliers appears bright, indeed.

Accounting for a significant portion of the cost of each Raptor, the suppliers of these electronic subsystems will continue to examine ways to reduce the cost of their subsystems, which will enable the program to achieve its affordability goals.

RSS    Save to Del.icio.us  Digg This