USAF Makes First F-35 TR-3 Configuration Test Flight

With the Technology Refresh 3 upgrades, a fighter flew to 35,000 feet at nearly the speed of sound.

Kimberly Johnson

Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 03:17 PM ET

Verified

An F-35A takes off from Edwards Air Force Base, California, on January 6, 2023. [Courtesy: F-35 Joint Program Office]

Key Takeaways:

Lockheed Martin F-35s are undergoing flight testing for significant computational upgrades known as Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3).
TR-3 boosts the F-35's computational horsepower for Block 4 modernization, enabling enhanced flight performance (e.g., 35,000 feet at near sound speed) and integrating advanced features like new sensors, long-range precision weapons, and improved electronic warfare capabilities.
The first successful test flight with TR-3 upgrades occurred on January 6th, marking the beginning of an extensive flight test campaign scheduled to continue throughout 2023.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Testing is underway for computational upgrades that make it possible for Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) F-35s to fly at 35,000 feet at nearly the speed of sound, according to program officials.

The Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) configuration boosts the fighter’s computational horsepower for Block 4 modernization, and includes new sensor suites, additional long-range precision weapons, increased cross-platform interoperability, and improved electronic warfare features, according to the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO).