Accelerating Innovation with Modular Avionics Software: The F-35 Modernization Journey

The F-35 Lightning II needed a bold, future-proof approach to avionics modernization. Lynx MOSA.ic delivered the flexibility, performance, and cost efficiency necessary to support Lockheed Martin in meeting the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office's goals, setting a new standard for modular, certification-ready systems.

Redefining Avionics for Mission-Critical Success

Lockheed Martin, a leader in global aerospace and defense, partnered with Lynx to revolutionize the avionics of the F-35 Lightning II as part of the Technology Refresh 3 (TR3) program. Leveraging Lynx MOSA.ic, they achieved breakthroughs in modularity, cost efficiency, and future readiness while ensuring the platform met the highest safety-critical standards.

About Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global leader in aerospace and defense with over 116,000 employees worldwide. Known for pioneering advanced technologies, they were tasked with upgrading the F-35 Lightning II’s avionics to meet the demands of tomorrow’s battlefield while reducing long-term costs and increasing flexibility for future enhancements.

Challenge

Overcoming Complexity in Avionics Modernization

The F-35 program required a next-generation avionics platform that could support increased computing demands, reduce costs, and integrate seamlessly with open system architecture principles. Lockheed Martin faced key obstacles, including:

Managing the complexity of multi-core, safety-critical systems.
Ensuring the immutability of resource allocations to enhance cybersecurity.
Avoiding vendor lock-in while integrating diverse components, including open-source elements.
Streamlining certification and sustainment processes across a long-term program lifecycle.

Solution

Lynx MOSA.ic: The Framework for Modern Avionics

Lynx MOSA.ic provided Lockheed Martin with a modular software framework purpose-built for safety-critical and mission-critical systems. Key features and outcomes include:

Modular Architecture: Enabled cleanly architected subsystems with reusable software components, avoiding proprietary dependencies and reducing development complexity.
Certification-Ready Technology: Delivered the industry’s first DO-178C DAL A-certified hypervisor on Intel processors, simplifying compliance while ensuring robust safety and security.
Enhanced Security: Immutable configuration of virtual machines ensured tamper-proof resource allocation, reinforcing system resiliency.
Cost and Time Savings: Streamlined development cycles and reduced sustainment costs, enabling upgrades well into the future.
POSIX Compliance: Simplified development by supporting a Linux-based workflow, making the migration of real-time and safety-critical code seamless.

Results

Transforming the F-35 Avionics Platform

The collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Lynx resulted in significant program advancements, including:

The first successful test flight of the TR3 avionics platform, powered by Lynx MOSA.ic, on January 6, 2023.
Substantial reductions in production and sustainment costs, creating long-term savings for the program.
Increased computing power to support advanced capabilities like communications, sensors, and electronic warfare.
Adoption of an Open System Architecture that ensures flexibility for future enhancements and reduces integration risks.