How Data and Digital Approaches Strengthen Connectivity for the U.S. Air Force
Military assets of the 21st century perform best together – across air, sea, land, space and cyber and across allied nations. As the U.S. Air Force continues to make progress toward a vision known as Joint All-Domain Operations (JADO) that connects all existing and future platforms to bring a joint operational concept to reality, Lockheed Martin will be there every step of the way.
Step one begins with a focus inward on mission-driven transformation. We’re bringing speed, connectivity and intelligence capabilities to the fight today with the future force in mind. And how we’re doing that is by helping the U.S. Air Force maintain its vision for the World’s Greatest Air Force – Powered by Airmen, Fueled by Innovation and the U.S. Space Force Guardians’ mission to defend the freedom to operate in space.
Here are some of the ways we’re empowering 21st century Airmen and Guardians on their steps on that journey:
Data Dominance
Bringing more data to pilots, our Legion Pod® equipped with IRST21® technology, now has a dedicated datalink available for pod-to-pod communication, establishing near instantaneous range to targets and reducing the workload for pilots. Legion Pod’s datalink allows pilots to share infrared data across a secure network, further reducing the timeline for pilots to engage a weapon, if needed.
From conceptual design through manufacturing and sustainment, we’re infusing digital approaches and disruptive innovation in our processes, technology and tools to drive faster deliveries, agile responsiveness and data-driven insights for our customers around the globe.
Our Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) offering is one example of how we are partnering with the U.S. Air Force to transform our approach to digital acquisitions. SiAW leverages proven design elements and internal investments, while incorporating agile software, model-based digital environments and OSA to keep pace with evolving threats. The digital thread continues as we integrate SiAW onto the F-35, adding more multi-role mission capabilities to further assert the F-35 as the most advanced and survivable aircraft in the world.
With Project StarDrive, our Skunk Works® team is developing and designing current and future systems in a fully integrated digital environment. Using the digital thread, we have been able to bring in manufacturing simulation and planning much earlier in development, driving significant efficiencies to cost and schedule.
Our clear vision from the top is transforming the way we work to enable connectivity and speed in a 5G world. Strategic investments in emerging technologies and digital infrastructure are delivering results. We are lowering aircraft cost, improving quality, and reducing time-to-market to equip the warfighter with the tools needed to succeed in the network-connected battlespace.
Related News

Three Ways JADO is Transforming the Future of Aviation

Lockheed Martin Advances Digital Flight Line

Pentagon and Lockheed Martin Agree to F-35 Sustainment Contracts

How Experimentation Can Speed Joint All-Domain Operations

LMXT By Lockheed Martin: America's Next Strategic Tanker

Mission Driven Transformation

Advancing Kill Web and PNT Capabilities for 21st Century Warfare