Vanguard Magazine

www.vanguardcanada.com JUNE/JULY 2025 17 F E AT U R E also the system through which the F-35 uploads and downloads Mission Data Files, a collection of planning data and targeting information that's critical to the jet. The Mission Data File (MDF) is the electronic battle manual for the F-35. It provides known target characteristics for the fusion engine that identifies targets with minimal emissions. It also contains threat emitter models that permit the aircraft to follow a minimum detectability flight path, known as the blue line track. It also runs commu- nication systems and hosts the electronic order of battle. Some critics have incorrectly asserted that the F-35 aircraft contains a kill switch that would allow the U.S. to control their use. But any remote control or blocking of the F-35A fighter jets through external interventions in the electronics, is simply not possible. RCAF jets would not need foreign consent to use their weapon sys- tems or guided missiles in Canada's de- fence. They would be able to do this au- tonomously, independently and at any time. Canada will receive F-35A aircraft from ongoing production with the same standard (now Block-4) as all other cur- rent customers and program partners. Where national sovereignty is required, such as in the development of Mission Data Files (MDFs) essential to the operation of the aircraft, Canada has already partnered with key allies (United Kingdom and Aus- tralia) through the Australia, Canada, UK Reprogramming Lab (ACURL) to ensure sovereign development of any MDFs re- quired to operate the aircraft. International Cooperation will be a Force Multiplier The F-35 has already been selected as the preferred option in 18 NATO nations, as well as Australia, Israel, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Switzerland which deliv- ers significant synergies and efficiencies in all logistics aspects such as armament, sus- tainment, and maintenance. In the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, RCAF expertise was sought by other allied air forces in the support of their fleets through various NATO working groups, and bilat- eral or trilateral agreements on common fleets such as the CF-116 Freedom Fight- er, CF-104 Starfighter, etc. Our profes- sional reputation and smaller nation status allowed for highly cooperative exchanges. Because of Canada's protracted acquisition of the F-35, the shoe will now be on the other foot as the RCAF has a chance to learn operational lessons, and best prac- tices in maintenance, logistics and opera- tional support from our more operation- ally experienced allies. Why is logistics such a key future aspect Aircraft maintenance is crucial for ensuring flight safety and reliability, with logistics playing a central role in ensuring the flow of parts, tools, and equipment efficiently. Effective logistics is the key to rapid main- tenance responses. If an issue requires a part replacement, having the component readily available or a proficient logistics team that can swiftly source and deliver it is essential. Through logistics, planes not only remain operational more efficiently, but their longer-term serviceability and overall availability are significantly en- hanced. Aviation maintenance logistics is under- going a significant transformation. Manag- ing logistics involves handling thousands of parts, each with strict regulations and necessary certifications, which makes the process complex and challenging. To ad- dress these challenges, industry has al- ready moved towards lean management principles, which focus on reducing waste and increasing efficiency. But this lean ap- proach means parts aren't always stock- piled in large numbers. The introduction of digital technologies is also changing the game. Tools like data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are now becoming common in the main- tenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector. These technologies help predict maintenance needs in advance, allowing for better planning and reducing unex- pected downtime. AI uses historical data to predict what parts will be needed in the future, ensuring stocks are kept at optimal levels. This means having the right parts available when needed, without wasting money on excess inventory. It's a smarter way to manage supplies, making opera- tions leaner and more cost-effective. With over 1,100 airframes already in use, the F-35's much larger pool of users will al- low these analytic systems to be far more accurate and reliable. The failsafe is still then being able to borrow from other al- lies, if and as needed. Terry Leversedge is a retired senior RCAF officer, published author and amateur his- torian. His career in military aerospace en- gineering encompassed a wide number of positions at both field units and within the headquarters of the RCAF, before he re- tired as a Brigadier General aer 35 years of service.

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