Lockheed selects AGI Software for F-35 Lightning II aircraft

Analytical Graphics (AGI) has secured a contract for provision of a test & evaluation (T&E) integrated solution for the US Department of Defense’s (DoD) F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter (JSF) aircraft.

Awarded by F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, the contract requires the company to supply a T&E integrated solution based on its systems tool kit (STK) software.

AGI Integrated Solutions director Joe Murphy said the STK-based T&E process will enable rapid, more robust planning and analysis of test flights and will also accelerate test point accomplishment.

Developed as a commercial off the shelf (COTS) software tool since 1989, STK is a physics-based software package designed to help engineers and scientists carry out complex analyses of ground, sea, air and space assets, and share results in one integrated solution.

"The contract requires the company to supply a T&E integrated solution based on its systems tool kit (STK) software."

Previously called the Satellite Tool Kit, the modular software has already demonstrated potential to dramatically enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the test planning, test execution and post-flight analysis process, working with Lockheed and the JSF Integrated Test Force (ITF).

The resulting benefits are expected to positively impact test quality and schedule execution, while simultaneously saving Lockheed millions of dollars in test programme costs.

Currently under development in three variants, the F-35 JSF is a fifth-generation multirole fighter aircraft designed to conduct an array of ground attack, reconnaissance and air defence missions with stealth capability.

The variants include a conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) aircraft for the US and allied air forces, a short take-off and landing (STOVL) fighter for the US Marine Corps (USMC) and the Royal Navy and a carrier version (CV) for the US Navy.