F-35 Ground Support
Global Challenges. Innovative Solutions.
The ground support equipment requirements for the F-35 Joint Force Strike Fighter are vast and varied.
Contracts such as these are of high interest and sought after by a large group of international competitors. Challenging to say the least. Cv International welcomed the challenge, winning three long term contract awards with solutions that were both innovative and effective. Below is a brief overview of what was proposed and Cv International’s innovative solution to each.-
Lockheed Martin
Nitrogen
F-35 Nitrogen Servicing Cart
THE CHALLENGE
The J00108 Nitrogen Servicing Cart was required to be a mobile source of compressed, gaseous nitrogen for F35 maintenance activities. This capability was to be integrated into a towable four-wheeled chassis with pneumatic tires and foldable tow bar, weigh in at less than 3,000 pounds, yet be man maneuverable to support shipboard nitrogen servicing operations. A minimum capacity of 2,100 cubic feet of nitrogen at 3,500 psig with a capability of boosting nitrogen supply pressure up to 5,000 psig. In addition, The Cart had to provide a constant supply of nitrogen at flow rates up to 32 SCFM for a minimum of 20 minutes at 72 ±1.5 psi.
THE SOLUTION
Cv International’s J108— All Lockheed Martin requirements met, Operational in extreme weather -40F to 120 F. All systems operate with no external power source. The J108 ships operation ready.
MAINTENANCE PLATFORM
F-35 J10
(B-4 TYPE)
THE CHALLENGE
The J00010 Maintenance Platform had a requirement to manually raise and lower, offering easy maneuverability to provide maintenance personnel access to areas of the F-35 that are beyond the normal reach and height. The stand dimensions could not exceed 105″ long, 63″ wide and 52″ high with a weight less than 1,100 lbs. In addition, the J10 had to be CE Certified, support a minimum of 500 lbs. with a working load of 100 lbs. per square foot, have a minimum platform height of 36″ and a maximum working platform height of 84″ or greater and be capable of operating in -40ºF to 120ºF.
THE SOLUTION
MAINTENANCE PLATFORM
F-35 J11
(B-1 TYPE)
THE CHALLENGE
The J00011 Maintenance Platform had a requirement to manually raise and lower, offering easy maneuverability to provide access to all surfaces of the F-35. In addition, The stand dimensions could not exceed 236″ long, 56″ wide and 83″ high with a weight less than 2,100 lbs. The J11 was to be CE Certified, Support a minimum of 1,000 lbs. with a working load of 100 lbs. per sq. ft., have a minimum platform height of 48″ and a maximum working platform height of 13′ with a minimum cantilevered platform clearance of 38″ and be capable of operating in -40ºF to 120ºF.
THE SOLUTION
Cv International’s J11— All Lockheed Martin requirements met, in addition to best in class, Industry leading load capacity of 4000 lbs., the J11 ships operation ready for tarmac and aircraft carrier use.
