USAF estimates F-22 updates could cost $1.7 billion

[SpudmanWP]

The US Air Force estimates it would cost more than $1.7 billion over 11 years to upgrade 34 Lockheed Martin F-22s from a training configuration to a fully modernised, operational status, according to a USAF report sent to Congress.

The August report, recently obtained by FlightGlobal, outlines the estimated cost and schedule to bring 31 Block 20 Raptors supporting pilot training and another three Block 20 aircraft supporting flight test to the combat-coded Block 30/35 configuration.

$1.7 billion for 34 F-22s is $50 mil each.

More at the jump

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/artic ... on-442672/

[neurotech]

The USAF also plans to introduce a helmet-mounted cueing system for weapons and a "billion dollar" sensor upgrade for the Block 30/35 fleet, the report says.

Also, they are upgrading more than the 34 jets .

There are ~100 jets in the Block 30/35 sub-fleet. HMCS hopefully.

[popcorn]

Makes sense. Just do it.

[SpudmanWP]

Also, they are upgrading more than the 34 jets .

I am sure they are, just not as part of this $1.7 billion.

The tactical updates cost almost $8 million more per aircraft, bringing the price per aircraft to $50.5 million.

$1.7 billion / 34 F-22s = $50 mil.

[popcorn]

Includes a helmet-mounted cueing system, Finally.

[wrightwing]

I'm curious to the sensor upgrade (i.e. IRST, DAS-lite, cheek arrays?)

[SpudmanWP]

my guess is radar & ESM updates

[popcorn]

11 years to modernize 34 jets. Hopefully the AF will be able to get more money up front and shorten the time frame.

[Corsair1963]

The US Air Force estimates it would cost more than $1.7 billion over 11 years to upgrade 34 Lockheed Martin F-22s from a training configuration to a fully modernised, operational status, according to a USAF report sent to Congress.

The August report, recently obtained by FlightGlobal, outlines the estimated cost and schedule to bring 31 Block 20 Raptors supporting pilot training and another three Block 20 aircraft supporting flight test to the combat-coded Block 30/35 configuration.

$1.7 billion for 34 F-22s is $50 mil each.

More at the jump

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/artic ... on-442672/

If, these 34 early F-22's are dedicated to Training and Testing. Wouldn't it make far more sense to just buy 20+ new F-35A's instead??? (just saying)

[wrightwing]

my guess is radar & ESM updates

I assume that radar and ESM will be upgraded anyhow. What piqued my curiosity was the phrase "new sensor," rather than new radar or new ESM. IR sensors would address the passive shortcomings vs other reduced signature targets. I know they'd mentioned upgrades to the AN/AAR-56, in the past. Adding open architecture, improved radar/ESM, HMD, IR sensors, and increased datalink compatibility, would go a long way to maintaining superiority.

[mixelflick]

[/quote]


If, these 34 early F-22's are dedicated to Training and Testing. Wouldn't it make far more sense to just buy 20+ new F-35A's instead??? (just saying)[/quote]

I don't think so. The F-22/F-15 combo is the stated air superiority team. Nothing can duplicate a Raptor other than another Raptor. Plus those F-35's should be dedicated to their strengths: Air to ground with secondary self-protect capability. Maybe further down the line when more F-35's are in play and fewer F-15's are available..

[charlielima223]

I assume that radar and ESM will be upgraded anyhow. What piqued my curiosity was the phrase "new sensor," rather than new radar or new ESM. IR sensors would address the passive shortcomings vs other reduced signature targets. I know they'd mentioned upgrades to the AN/AAR-56, in the past. Adding open architecture, improved radar/ESM, HMD, IR sensors, and increased datalink compatibility, would go a long way to maintaining superiority.

You think they're going to make the AN/AAR-56 more "DAS like"? Seems to me the hardware is there just not the software.

[neptune]

..If, these 34 early F-22's are dedicated to Training and Testing. Wouldn't it make far more sense to just buy 20+ new F-35A's instead??? (just saying)

....getting 30+ F-22As for the cost of 18ish F-35s seems to be a "Great!" investment; for "commonality" and a 15% increase in the fleet capacity.

....now that the "Lite" has somewhat proven?? the training simulator, the opportunity to upgrade the "early birds/ trainers" seems an obvious given.

....who knows??, maybe even a little "secret sauce" might be added???

....could/ would this be a trend for the "Lite"??

[mas]

http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-bu ... eady-23771

The United States Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a new “indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract” worth roughly $7 billion to sustain the F-22 Raptor through December 31, 2027.

“This contract provides for comprehensive F-22 air vehicle sustainment,” reads a Defense Department contract award.

[neptune]

http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/lockheed-martin-awarded-7-billion-contract-get-f-22-ready-23771

The United States Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a new “indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract” worth roughly $7 billion to sustain the F-22 Raptor through December 31, 2027.

“This contract provides for comprehensive F-22 air vehicle sustainment,” reads a Defense Department contract award.

Release No: CR-246-17
Dec. 21, 2017

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a total estimated value of $7,000,000,000 for F-22 sustainment. This contract provides for comprehensive F-22 air vehicle sustainment.

Work will be performed at;

- five operational bases Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada; Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida; Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia; and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; and at

- six support locations Edwards Air Force Base, California; Palmdale, California; Hill Air Force Base, Utah; Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma; Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas; and Warner Robins Air Force Base, Georgia,

- as well as at other potential stateside and overseas locations, combat deployment and enroute support bases, potential locations through depot partnering agreements, and system program office locations.

The contract has a five-year base ordering period with work expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2027 (10yrs.). This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $1,906,535 are being obligated at the time of award.

Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8205-18-D-0001).