First Israeli Air Force Adir delivered to the Flight Testing Centre
On 11 November 2020, the first test F-35I Adir arrived at the Israeli Air Force Flight Testing Centre (FTC) at Tel-Nof Air Base (Israel).
The arrival of the F-35I, serial 924 (construction number AS-15), marks the start of a new era in the Heyl Ha'Avir (IAF, Israeli Air Force) FTC Squadron, a first of its kind fighter jet equipped with advanced experimenting capabilities. The Adir, designated for flight experiments, will enrich the IAF's independence in improving its division of fifth generation aircraft.
One of the extraordinary aspects of the IAF is its use of indigenously developed Israeli operating systems and munitions on its various flight platforms, this including the F-35I. In the majority of the acquisitions made in cooperation with the United States, the IAF is given the opportunity to install its own electronic warfare, communications and weapons systems - all to accommodate the platforms to the relevant operational needs and requirements. Most other countries that bought the Lightning II are not allowed to install or improve the airframe without approval of the USA and Lockheed Martin.
For the F-35I, the situation is more complicated: “In the Adir programme, the IAF does not have access to everything, so it cannot fully intervene”, described Lt. Col. Y, Commander of the FTC Squadron. As known the Israeli F-15 and F-16-fleet is massively improved with all kind of avionica, communication systems and electronic warfare systems, as well as own munition.
The Adir division is set to play a central role in the IAF's future operational activity. The IAF understands the need to test it and adapt its weapons systems to the operational reality in the field. F-35I 924 will act as the main building block for acquiring new flight capabilities, and allow for independent installation of munitions.
New weapons affect the aircraft in different ways. The FTC runs an entire series of tests to certify a capability, such as load testing, fluttering, and release fluency. In load testing, they examine the durability of the weapon and aircraft while performing complex maneuvers. In flutter testing, the FTC checks for aerodynamic phenomenon that may endanger the jet. While testing release fluency, the release process of munitions - are carefully scanned. This is a significant test for the Adir since its payload is released from an internal hold in the jet's body. After the testing process is completed, the guidelines for operating the new capability are determined.
Photos: Amit Agronov via @IAFsite