Case study
Double the Hydraulic Testing Power for the F-35
Client
Application
F-35 Lightning II
When another vendor said that the only solution for a hydraulic test stand for the F-35 was two, independent carts, we thought there had to be a better way. So we built it.
Overview
After more than 2 years of development, the vendor originally selected to provide a hydraulic test stand for the F-35 concluded that the only solution was two independent units for every aircraft, significantly increasing the costs and logistical complexity of the F-35’s ground operations.
When Lockheed Martin then came to Hydraulics International, we were able to develop an innovative system that did the job in a single unit, and deliver it in just 1 year.
the challenge
The Lockheed Martin J-35 fighter jet is one of the most advanced aircraft ever built. But along with that advanced functionality comes an advanced, large dual hydraulic system. The F-35 also sits low to the ground, so any equipment has to be fit under the aircraft’s low clearance height.
In fact, it’s so large and so low that the original vendor didn’t think that the F-35’s hydraulic testing could be done with a single test stand.Ater more than 2-years of development, they specified two test stands for every F-35. Neither Lockheed Martin nor their military customers were especially impressed with this solution.
Our Solution
With more than 70 years of experience, Hydraulics International was able to envision a better solution. Essentially, we combined the power and capabilities of two independent test stands into a single unit, and designed it to fit under the low clearance height of the F-35.
We were able to deliver our initial units for testing in just one year, after which they quickly passed validation and were adopted by the F-35 program.
The Result
Today, our innovative hydraulic test stands are standard equipment on the F-35 and JSF. Available in two configurations, either diesel or electric powered, they’re in use in mission-critical operations around the globe.
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