F-35 program updates

Program progress, politics, orders, and speculation
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by gabriele » 06 Mar 2018, 21:28

Any clue why the C is limited to 1.3?


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by SpudmanWP » 06 Mar 2018, 23:24

Typo?
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by spazsinbad » 07 Mar 2018, 02:46

Perhaps our 'Admirable of the Perpetual Winter' misspoke? This quote from the latest F-35 SAR 2018 (0.65Mb)

FOUR Page PDF of the Jan 2018 SAR Summary & most interesting KPPs attached from same source. Hmmmmm.... Perhaps the B in this quote should be a C? This SAR seems to be VERY SLOPPY - e.g. some pages dates are 2016?
"...Development
Delivering Full Block 3F capabilities: Steady progress is being made toward delivery of full Block 3F warfighter capability andcompletion of the SDD program. Two important milestones are associated with the closeout of this phase of the program: completion of SDD flight test and the delivery of the full Block 3F capability. The Joint Program Office (JPO)/Industry team will continue SDD until the full Block 3F capability is delivered to the warfighter. Delivery of full 3F capability is projected to meet APB threshold dates for all 3 variants with the exception of F-35B which will be cleared to 1.3 Mach by the threshold date with expansion to 1.6 Mach by May 2018. Critical path for F-35B to 1.6 Mach is a structural integrity update and the air worthiness certification...." https://fas.org/man/eprint/F-35-SAR-2018.pdf
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F-35-SAR-2018 for PDF pp4.pdf
(263.65 KiB) Downloaded 604 times


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by Dragon029 » 07 Mar 2018, 23:58



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by SpudmanWP » 08 Mar 2018, 00:22

U.S. House Armed Services Committee
Scheduled for Mar 7, 2018
F-35 Joint Program Office

Vice Admiral Mathias W. Winter
Program Executive Officer, F-35 Joint Program Office
http://docs.house.gov/meetings/AS/AS25/20180307/106951/HHRG-115-AS25-Wstate-WinterM-20180307.pdf

Lieutenant General Steven R. Rudder
Deputy Commandant for Aviation, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps
http://docs.house.gov/meetings/AS/AS25/20180307/106951/HHRG-115-AS25-Wstate-RudderS-20180307.pdf

Rear Admiral Upper Half Scott D. Conn
Director, Air Warfare (OPNAV N98), Headquarters, U.S. Navy
(They fked up the link, I emailed them to fix it.. Don't hold your breath)

Lieutenant General Jerry D. Harris
Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, Programs, and Requirements, Headquarters, U. S. Air Force
http://docs.house.gov/meetings/AS/AS25/20180307/106951/HHRG-115-AS25-Wstate-HarrisJ-20180307.pdf

Source of all PDFs.

http://docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ByEvent.aspx?EventID=106951
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by spazsinbad » 08 Mar 2018, 03:29

Thanks for the comprehensive links 'SWP'. I guess more speakers later on for more PDFs? Anyway I'll keep an eye on links.

Meanwhile this makes sense regarding the F-35C Mach 1.3 limit at moment (mentioned elsewhere and I'll post the quote there also) IF there is a limit at moment (I cannot remember):
Admirable Winter: "...The Program continues to deliver Block 3F capability for the F-35A and is on track to deliver Block 3F capabilities to the F-35B and F-35C later this year in May (BF-63) and July (CF-34), respectively...."
HASC statement 07 Mar 2018 http://docs.house.gov/meetings/AS/AS25/ ... 180307.pdf (0.5Mb)


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by spazsinbad » 08 Mar 2018, 03:36

gabriele wrote:Any clue why the C is limited to 1.3?

Perhaps the reason here but I have not found the information that currently restricts the F-35C Mach. I can imagine some old defects such as Sidewinder carriage p'raps or delaminating the tail or whatever one can imagine - just can't remember.
Admirable Winter: "...The Program continues to deliver Block 3F capability for the F-35A and is on track to deliver Block 3F capabilities to the F-35B and F-35C later this year in May (BF-63) and July (CF-34), respectively...."
HASC statement 07 Mar 2018: http://docs.house.gov/meetings/AS/AS25/ ... 180307.pdf (0.5Mb)

Some good graphics in the WINTER pdf:
Attachments
F-35availByProdLotMar2018.gif


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by spazsinbad » 08 Mar 2018, 04:20

LtGen Rudder USMC confirms that 3F not available for the F-35B until MAY 2018 (not everything is equal it seems):
"...The F-35 program continues to meet Marine Corps requirements in SDD. We are still on track to receive the full F-35B weapons inventory (external & internal) and envelope around April – May 2018 with the release of 3F software."...
&
...Operational test communities are actively identifying and correcting deficiencies discovered in the 3F test software. There are no anticipated deficiencies that will delay the release of 3F to fleet aircraft....
ALSO
...Currently, there are no known overt risks to SDD exit or 3F; however, concern remains in the rate of production of 3F Mission Data Files (MDFs). The U.S. Reprograming Laboratory (USRL) produces the MDFs, but the process is very data intensive and complex and the lab has a limited a production capacity. These issues have the full attention of the Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin, and the Marine Corps feels comfortable with the recent positive trajectory. As the program matures, the Reprogramming Labs will gain the capacity to produce multiple MDFs, as well as respond to urgent requests for MDF updates.... HASC 07 Mar 2018 http://docs.house.gov/meetings/AS/AS25/ ... 180307.pdf (135Kb)


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by spazsinbad » 08 Mar 2018, 15:19

Geez it is tiresome for OFFICIAL websites to NOT CHECK their postings. The 'witness statement' at HASC for USN by Admirable CONN has us all CONNED.... it is actually the Biography for USMC LtGen RUDDER. WTF? :mrgreen: I guess we have to wait until this link is corrected eh. I BLAME the USN - they are JUST SLOPPY MAN! :drool:

http://docs.house.gov/meetings/AS/AS25/ ... 180307.pdf [RONG INFO]


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by spazsinbad » 08 Mar 2018, 23:23

:mrgreen: The REAR Admiral CONN PDF now present & suspect: F-35C procurement delay - requirement for BLOCK 4 stuff (similar to USAF - USMC just HAPPY TO BE THERE)!
RADM CONN Testimony to HASC
07 Mar 2018 USN to House Armed Services Committee; TACTICAL AIR AND LAND FORCES SUBCOMMITTEE

"...The Carrier Air Wing of the future must rely on the capacity and capabilities of both fourth and fifth-generation aircraft. The F-35C provides unique capabilities that cannot be matched by modernizing fourth-generation aircraft. Stealth technology and advanced integrated systems enable the F-35C to counter rapidly evolving air-to-air and surface-to-air threats. Whether the mission requires the execution of strike, Close Air Support (CAS), counter air, escort, or electronic warfare (EW), the F-35C is vital to our future as they become a lethal cornerstone of our naval air forces. Delivering this transformational capability to front-line forces as soon as possible remains a top priority....
&
...transition the first Navy squadron on a timeline that supports the first operational deployment on USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) in 2021....

...Continuous Capability Development and Delivery (C2D2) of Block 4 capability and weapons integration for the F-35C are critical to the success of the Future Carrier Air Wing....

...the Navy has chartered an ongoing independent Senior Review Team to assess, make recommendations to improve, and inform the C2D2 acquisition strategy....

...VFA-147, began their transition in February 2018. VFA-147 is on schedule to complete their transition [to F-35C] by October 2018 and will support the first F-35C deployment in 2021....

...After eleven years and over 16,000 flight hours, the full Block 3F SDD developmental test phase is quickly approaching an end. We estimate completion to be March/April 2018. The program can now proceed into IOT&E. IOT&E is critical to the Navy because we have linked the successful demonstration of 3F capabilities in IOT&E to our IOC declaration for the F-35C....

...We are currently modifying our fleet to correct the outboard weapons station overloading condition discovered with the external carriage of AIM-9X. The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) in coordination with Lockheed Martin has resolved the Nz oscillation issue during catapult ride. Plus, we have identified an engineering solution for the Helmet Mounted Display system problems that had posed issues for night shipboard operations that had adversely affected pilot safety in the carrier environment. The Navy is actively engaged with the JPO and other Services to close out SDD and proceed into IOT&E....

...Procurement
The PB-19 procurement ramp optimizes the transition timeline for Navy F-35C squadrons based on current force structure and future deployment schedules. The Navy is committed to procuring F-35Cs to achieve essential fifth-generation capability for “what it takes to win” across all deployed Carrier Air Wings....

...For the Carrier Air Wing of the future to pace a rapidly evolving threat, C2D2 must deliver Block 4 capabilities and weapons on schedule. It is not enough to just evolve the significant capabilities of the F-35C, but [b]equally important to ensure those capabilities are integrated and interoperable with existing ships and Carrier Air Wing aircraft within the Carrier Strike Group. The Navy has aggressively pulled F-35C Link 16 (CMN-4) capability to the left to ensure that information is disseminated across ships and aircraft throughout the strike group. Several critical enablers to Naval Integrated Fire Control advanced kill chains exist in Block 4 technologies, and the Navy’s ability to conduct integrated fires in the future is instrumental to how the future Carrier Strike Group will fight. Weapons integration, radar improvements, electronic warfare capabilities, interoperability, and real-time information dissemination must also continue to progress in order to guarantee mission success in the future high-end threat environment.

Closing
The future of the Carrier Air Wing relies on the F-35C...."

Source: http://docs.house.gov/meetings/AS/AS25/ ... 180307.pdf (238Kb)


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by element1loop » 09 Mar 2018, 03:53

Ahh! ... so they're finally proposing to fund C2D2 (Block 4) properly ... :D

" ... total cost for C2D2 could reach USD16.4 billion through FY 2024 – USD11 billion for development and USD5.4 billion in procurement ... "

-----
Pentagon faces major cost increase on F-35 Block 4 modernisation

Pat Host, Washington, DC - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

08 March 2018

The Pentagon is facing a major cost increase for its F-35 C2D2 modernisation, formerly known as Block 4. Source: Lockheed Martin

Key Points

The Pentagon is facing a major potential F-35 Block 4/C2D2 cost increase

This could add between USD6.9 billion and USD12.5 billion more to the Pentagon’s most expensive platform

The Pentagon is facing a cost increase for what was known as Block 4 modernisation of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) ranging between USD6.9 billion and USD12.5 billion, according to a key lawmaker and a Defense Department official.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) in August tabbed at over USD 3.9 billion the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) funding needed for F-35 Block 4 modernisation, now known as Continuous Capability Development and Delivery (C2D2), through fiscal year 2022 (FY 2022). During a 7 March 2018 House Armed Services (HASC) tactical air and land forces subcommittee hearing, F-35 program executive officer Admiral Mat Winter said C2D2 would cost USD10.8 billion through FY 2024.

Subcommittee Ranking Member Niki Tsongas of Massachusetts said the total cost for C2D2 could reach USD16.4 billion through FY 2024 – USD11 billion for development and USD5.4 billion in procurement. Tsongas believed this figure greatly exceeded any cost figures previously provided to Congress.

GAO said in August that Block 4 would be carried out in four increments – 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4. Block 4.1 is primarily software, as well as some new capabilities and correct deficiencies of nine capabilities carried over from the current development programme, such as the prognostics health management system down-link and communication capabilities. GAO said programme officials expected increments 4.1 and 4.3 to be primarily software updates while increments 4.2 and 4.4 would consist of more significant hardware changes.

http://www.janes.com/article/78443/pent ... ernisation
----

The rest behind paywall.
Accel + Alt + VLO + DAS + MDF + Radial Distance = LIFE . . . Always choose Stealth


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by weasel1962 » 09 Mar 2018, 04:49

Great spots and posts. Not sure why the 2018 SAR has the December 2016 headers...

I liked the nugget below:

The current estimate for F-35 total procurement quantity increased from 2443 to 2456. This is the result of an increase of 13 F-35B aircraft to be procured by the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The increase is reflected in both the aircraft and engine subprogram and results in a change from 680 to 693 in the Department of Navy Aircraft Procurement accounts. The USMC validated this requirement through the Marine Corps Requirements Oversight Council (MROC). The additional aircraft are fully funded and the funding is reflected in the FY 2018 President's Budget submission.


So technically its now 366Bs for the USMC.


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by spazsinbad » 09 Mar 2018, 07:20

Yes a LEAP YEAR of Bs for USMC - but wait.... Having FUN with NUMBERS here: STROLL DOWN as ye wish - say Hi! to 'BP'

viewtopic.php?f=58&t=53249&p=371434&hilit=procure+Marine#p371434


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by spazsinbad » 12 Mar 2018, 21:53

BF-1 Completes its Final SDD Flight Test
09 Mar 2018 Jeff Babione

"After nearly a decade of flight test, BF-1 completed its final SDD test flight earlier this week. BF-1 flew 725 flights accomplishing many firsts for F-35B STOVL operations throughout its service life. I am extremely impressed with the
body of work this aircraft achieved but even more impressive is the team behind each and every flight. The Integrated Test Force and many other members supported BF-1 through 782 vertical landings, 1,412 short takeoffs, 945 slow
landings, 71 ski jump takeoffs and many more test flights....

...With about 20 test flights remaining, we’re on a path to complete SDD flight testing this spring."

Source: https://a855196877272cb14560-2a4fa819a6 ... 3_9_18.pdf (225Kb)


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by spazsinbad » 13 Mar 2018, 15:02

Photo of the Day
13 Mar 2018 Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)

"Peter Wilson completes crosswind creeping short take off and vertical landing (STOVL) testing with BF-1, an F-35B, March 5 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. This is BF-1’s final system design and development (SDD) phase flight test with only a few ground test points remaining to close out SDD for BF-1."

Source: https://www.facebook.com/NAVAIR/photos/ ... 10/?type=3
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BF-1endsSDDmar2018F-35B.jpg


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