If the F-35 upgrades known as Technology Refresh 3 aren't ready for deliveries to resume in the third quarter, Lockheed said it may slow down production.
The AOEW can work independently aboard the helicopter — either the MH-60R, as was tried, or the MH-60S — and can tie back to other systems aboard a vessel.
The first TR-3 F-35's initial checkout flight comes as the Joint Program Office hunts for a way to accelerate deliveries, perhaps using interim software.