Aussie/UK F-35 lab opens at Eglin

EGLIN AFB, Fla. - Representatives of the Royal Air Force/Navy, and Royal Australian AF held a officially opened a laboratory on Eglin Air Force Base to optimize performances of their F-35A Joint Strike Fighter jets. The Australia Canada United Kingdom Reprogramming Laboratory (ACURL), next door to the U.S. version, and the nearby Norway Italy Reprogramming Laboratory, will be involved in the ongoing development of “mission data files” for the F-35A. Since the partnership was initially formed, Canada has backed away buying F-35s, but the lab will retain its name. However, there are indications and reports that Canada may come back to the fold and acquire the F-35A, becoming part of the laboratory again. Mission data files assist the F-35′s massive array of optical, electromagnetic and other sensors in identifying threats to give pilots the ability to execute the mission, according to Royal Australian AF Wing Commander Joseph Bennett, ACURL’s commanding officer for engineering. (Source: NW Fla. Daily News 02/25/20) https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20200224/united-kingdom-australia-open-f-35-lab-at-eglin-afb