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's F-35 underwent successful testing of its Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrade.
TR-3 significantly enhances the F-35's computational power, enabling high-speed flight at high altitudes (near the speed of sound at 35,000 feet).
The upgrade includes new sensors, weapons, improved interoperability, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities.
Extensive flight testing will continue throughout 2023 to integrate lessons learned into the broader Block 4 modernization program.

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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).