While there are concerns about the new F-35 radar fitting into the aircraft, it's not accurate to say it definitively can't fit. Lockheed Martin is proposing a new fuselage design to accommodate either the current or new radar, suggesting a potential workaround for delays in the new radar's development.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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The new radar, dubbed APG-85, is intended for the F-35's Lot 17 airframes, which began production this year.
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Lockheed Martin has raised concerns about the radar's delivery schedule, leading them to propose a redesigned forward fuselage.
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The new fuselage design would be compatible with both the current APG-81 radar and the new APG-85 radar, allowing for flexibility during production.
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Advanced radar technology is challenging to develop, especially when it needs to integrate seamlessly with other aircraft systems.
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If the new radar isn't ready on time, the program might need to hold aircraft at the production line or install the radar later.
