USAF: F-35A IOC Likely To Slip

BY ADMIN -The initial operational capability date for the U.S. Air Force version of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is likely to slip due to recent program changes to help right the troubled tri-service effort, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said during an Air Force Association-sponsored breakfast with reporters Jan. 12.

The F-35 program was recently restructured after a detailed Technical Baseline Review (TBR) by Defense Department procurement chief Ashton Carter and new JSF program manager Vice Adm. David Venlet concluded that additional time and funding is require (Darin Russell / Lockheed Martin)

"I think that's implied with the additional dollars and time required in system development," Donley said when asked whether the recent restructuring would delay the in-service date.

Donley did not elaborate, but said additional details would follow.
The F-35 program was recently restructured after a detailed Technical Baseline Review (TBR) by Defense Department procurement chief Ashton Carter and new JSF program manager Vice Adm. David Venlet concluded that additional time and funding is required to complete development.
The review's most significant decision was to put the U.S. Marine Corps vertical landing F-35B variant, which is the most technically challenged version, on a two-year probationary period, Donley said.
"The major decision from this TBR has been to decouple the testing of the U.S. Marine short take-off vertical-landing variant from the conventional and carrier variants to ensure we do not slow progress on the conventional and carrier variants," he said.
Additionally, as part of its ongoing efforts to integrate the JSF into service after testing is complete, the Air Force will buy 16 F-35 simulators. The simulators will be paid for by funding reallocated from other programs as part of a Defense Department and Air Force efficiency drive.
"In the Joint Strike Fighter program, it is forecast that up to 50 percent of pilot training will be accomplished through simulators," Donley said.
The extensive use of simulators is expected to save lots of money on fuel, he said.