F-35 Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin Resolve Joint Simulation Environment Data Rights Dispute
The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) and Lockheed Martin say they have reached a mutually beneficial agreement on the intellectual property dispute concerning F-35-in-a-box (FIAB) software elements used in the Joint Simulation Environment.
The Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) is a simulation system developed to support F-35 training, due to the complexity of F-35 systems and threat scenarios expanding beyond what can be easily simulated on an open-end range. The agreement allows for the deployment of JSE simulators to facilities owned by U.S. services.
“F-35-in-a-box” refers to the simulation of the F-35’s onboard sensors and sensor fusion system to be used in the JSE. Lockheed Martin had previously insisted that it would have to be paid licensing fees for the use of some algorithms in FIAB, while the Joint Program Office disputed Lockheed’s claim that the algorithms had been completely developed at Lockheed’s own expense.
“The agreement has significant implications for organic software development, and I am proud of all the hard work the government and industry team put in to achieve this,” said Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, director and program executive officer for the F-35 JPO.
According to the JPO, the agreement also allows Department of the Air Force and Department of the Navy software developers to contribute to the sustainment of the F-35’s on-board software, a step towards the office’s long term goal of “service-led sustainment” of the JSE.
“The agreement paves the way for users to begin integrating current F-35 operational software into the JSE, and to prepare for follow-on test and evaluation of Block 4 capabilities,” Schmidt said. “When added to robust operational flight training, this capability will ensure our warfighters can fight and win when they are called to do so.”
While originally developed to simulate the F-35, the JSE will simulate more aircraft like the F-22, F/A-18, and EA-18G, with the first JSE simulator facility under construction at Edwards Air Force Base also equipped with F-22 virtual cockpits.
“We are proud of our continued partnership with the JPO to ensure F-35 pilots around the world are trained and ready to deter and defend against emerging threats,” said Bridget Lauderdale, vice president and general manager for the F-35 Program at Lockheed Martin.