Lockheed Martin has taken delivery of Virtual Damage Repair and Tracking software from NGRAIN, for integration into the US Air Force’s (USAF) fleet of F-22 Raptor fighter jets.
The delivery follows a contract received by the company in April 2011, to help enhance the Raptors’ maintenance programme through installation of the three dimensional (3D) virtual damage assessment solution on its integrated maintenance information system (IMIS) software suite.
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Jeff Babione, Lockheed Martin F-22 programme vice president, said maintenance programmes with decreased manpower will prove crucial in an era of budgets cuts.
”With the damage assessment application, United States Air Force maintainers can easily transition between aircraft, helping boost efficiencies and ultimately supporting mission readiness,” Babione added.
The software will enable F-22 maintenance technicians to accurately track and record damage to an aircraft’s specific part by providing a comprehensive exterior representation on a ruggedised Microsoft Windows based device.
Automatic transmission of data and subsequent integration with the IMIS software platform will enhance the accuracy in data capture and overall workflow, while reducing expensive mistakes.
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By GlobalDataThe software is already in use on the autonomic logistics information systems (ALIS) back-end logistical system of Lockheed’s F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter’s (JSF), serving as an advanced, mobile and interactive maintenance and repair tracking solution for maintenance personnel.
Gabe Batstone, NGRAIN chief executive officer, said: ”The international scope of the F-35 program – which has nine participating allied nations – opened the door for us to participate in the U.S. F-22 program, fueling our expansion across the aerospace industry.”
Installation work under the contract is scheduled to take place in September 2012.
Image: A USAF’s F-22A Raptor firing an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile over the Gulf of Mexico. Photo: courtesy of Master Sgt. Michael Ammons, USAF.
