Joint Strike Fighter: Strong Risk Management Essential as Program Enters Most Challenging Phase

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program is the DoD's most costly acquisition, seeking to simultaneously develop, produce, and field three aircraft variants for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and eight international partners. The total expected U.S. investment is now more than $300 billion to develop and procure 2,456 aircraft over the next 25 years. A report in March 2009 discussed increased dev¿t. costs and schedule estimates, plans to accelerate procurement, manufacturing performance and delays, and dev¿t. test strategy. This testimony discusses: (1) current JSF cost and schedule estimates; (2) engine dev¿t.; (3) manufacturing performance; (4) contracting issues for procurement of aircraft; (5) and test plans. Illustrations.

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program is the Department of Defense's (DOD's) most costly acquisition, seeking to simultaneously develop, produce, and field three aircraft variants for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and eight international partners. The total expected U.S. investment is now more than $300 billion to develop and procure 2,456 aircraft over the next 25 years. GAO's most recent report in March of this year discussed increased development costs and schedule estimates, plans to accelerate procurement, manufacturing performance and delays, and development test strategy. A recurring theme in GAO's work has been concern about what GAO believes is undue concurrency of development, test, and production activities and the heightened risks it poses to achieving good cost, schedule, and performance outcomes.

The F-35 Lightning II, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), is the Department of Defense's most costly and ambitious aircraft acquisition, seeking to simultaneously develop and field three aircraft variants for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and eight international partners. The JSF is critical for recapitalizing tactical air forces and will require a long-term commitment to very large annual funding outlays. The current estimated investment is $323 billion to develop and procure 2,457 aircraft. This report discusses: (1) program cost, schedule, and performance; (2) manufacturing results; and (3) test plans and progress. The report's work includes interviews, cost data, test plans, production measures, and analyses by defense and contractor officials. Illus.

Contents: (1) Intro.: Alternate Engine Program; (2) Background: The F-35 In Brief; Three Versions; Alternate Engine Program; Program Origin and Milestones; Procurement Quantities; Program Mgmt.; Internat. Participation; Cost and Funding; Mfg. Locations; Proposed FY 2010 Budget; Proposed Termination of Alternate Engine; (3) Issues for Congress: Alternate Engine Program; Summary of Arguments; Admin. Perspective; Studies on F-35 Alternate Engine; Recent Developments; Development Status and Readiness for Production; Admin. Perspective; Affordability and Projected Fighter Shortfalls; Implications for Industrial Base; (4) Legislative Activity for FY 2010; Summary of Quantities and Funding; FY 2010 Defense Author. Bill. Illus.

Provides background on debate surrounding development of General Electric/Rolls-Royce F136 engine as an alternative to the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine that currently powers the F-35 joint strike fighter. Examines current status of alternative engine program, including cost, relations with allies, and engine development issues. Covers FY2011 legislative actions, and reviews issues for Congress.