Lockheed Martin has selected Harris to develop and deliver the next generation Integrated Core Processor (ICP) for the F-35 fighter jet.
The F-35’s ICP acts as the brains of the F-35, processing data for the aircraft’s communications, sensors, electronic warfare, guidance and control, cockpit and helmet displays.
“We are aggressively pursuing cost reduction across the F-35 enterprise and, after conducting a thorough review and robust competition, we’re confident the next generation Integrated Core Processor will reduce costs and deliver transformational capabilities for the warfighter,” Greg Ulmer, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of the F-35 program, said.
“The next generation Integrated Core Processor for the F-35 will have positive benefits for all customers in terms of life cycle cost, capability, reliability and more.”
The new Integrated Core Processor is a key element of the planned “Technology Refresh 3” modernization that takes advantage of fast evolving computing power to ensure the F-35 remains ahead of evolving threats.
Additional elements in the tech refresh include the Panoramic Cockpit Display Electronic Unit and Aircraft Memory System, which were also awarded to Harris last year.
The Harris-built ICP will be integrated into F-35 aircraft starting with Lot 15 aircraft, expected to begin deliveries in 2023.
Lockheed Martin and the Pentagon released an agreement for Lot 11 that brought the cost per aircraft to the lowest point yet. However, the good news was spoiled within two hours of the announcement when an F-35B crashed in South Carolina, the first such accident in the program’s history.