Lockheed Martin Continues Overseas Sales Of The F-16
The Lockheed Martin made F-16 continues to rack up overseas sales despite its age and coming replacement by the JSF in U.S. service. Morocco and...F-35 Program Has Issues DCMA Says
Filed under: Boeing, Business Line, Companies, Congress, Department of Defense, Events, Federal Budget Process, Lockheed Martin, Military Aviation, Restructuring, Services, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, development program, production program
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) has become the aviation program in the Obama defense budget. This multi-variant, multi-service aircraft will be the only new tactical aircraft built in the United States for several years now that the F-22 Raptor was canceled in the 2010 budget. In fact Secretary of Defense Robert Gates wanted to speed up production and testing of the aircraft in order to replace the aging F-15 and F-16 fleet more quickly.
Earlier this summer there were reports that a review panel had found the potential for delays and cost growth in the program that would seriously affect the plans for the aircraft. Yesterday there were reports that the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) has been reporting that the program is facing production and test delays as well as having cost issues. DCMA monitors contractors for performance and delivery and reportedly Lockheed Martin and its supporting contractors are already behind on the latest schedule established in May, 2008.
When the budget was announced with the decision to cancel the F-22 and focus on the F-35 some doubts were raised that the plan would work out. The schedule was not firm enough and cost was still being worked out for the three different aircraft being developed for the U.S. and its Allies. The F-35 if unit costs do rise significantly could see lower annual buy quantities which stretches out production and extends the time the older aircraft must be flying. While it is certainly possible that the schedule problems may be overcome delays and cost increases will undermine the reasoning behind the whole proposed Obama aviation modernization budget. This report may give Congress pause and interest in re-starting the F-22 production.
Second JSF Engine From Rolls-Royce And GE Facing Crisis Of Confidence
One of the most contentious programs of the last ten years has been the idea of having a second source for the Joint Strike Fighter’s (JSF)...Israel Moves Out On F-35
Filed under: Australia, Business Line, Companies, Congress, Contract Awards, Countries, Department of Defense, Events, Israel, Japan, Lockheed Martin, Military Aviation, Services, U.S. Air Force, development program, production program
It is being reported that the U.S. and Israel have come to an agreement on the purchase of the JSF by that country. There had been some rumors in the past that Israel would not be able to get the advanced fighter due to demands that they be allowed to modify the technology with their own. Israel commonly modifies their equipment with indigenous produced systems and weapons.
The initial buy will be for twenty-five aircraft and expected delivery is sometime in 2014. Congress must still approve the request but normally has no issues with sales to Israel of U.S. weapon systems.
Over the last twenty years the U.S. has placed more-and-more restrictions on technology transfers to other countries with worries that the technology sold will end up in unapproved hands. There are often restrictions on what the buyers can do or access with their systems. Israel’s history of modifying and using the foriegn technology they purchase may have caused second thoughts about selling to them although they have been involved with the JSF since almost program inception.
The JSF will be used by a variety of countries across the globe as it is designed as a replacement for the F-16 and is the only modern U.S. aircraft available for export. Australia and Japan are in discussions with the U.S. about buying F-22 as they would like an aircraft with longer range among other things. Right now the sale of the F-22 is prohibited by law but some in Congress are looking at changing that to keep the production going.
US announces Israeli JSF buy
Filed under: Contract Awards, Department of Defense, FMS, Israel, Lockheed Martin, Military Aviation, production program
The US Department of Defense announced that Israel has agreed to buy 25 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters (JSF) and support. The contract is worth about $15 B. While eight partner countries will also fly the JSF, Israel becomes the first FMS customer. The JSF will be a short take-off and landing aircraft to replace F-16 and AV-8 aircraft.
See the story at Rueters.com.
Looks like Australia will go with the JSF
Filed under: Australia, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, McDonnell Douglas, Military Aviation, development program
Australia had being going back and forth on wanting the F-22 instead of the JSF. China, I am sure, has a lot to do with this. According to this story, the decision has been made to go with the F-35. America has a law preventing the export of the F-22, but Australia had asked for it anyway. There was some desire from the USAF to sell it, as every FMS sale lowers the price and the Air Force would like some more. The only way that is going to happen is to get it cheaper. So it will have to be seen if any sales overseas are made. Certainly Australia and the UK would be the prime customers for the F-22.
Australia cuts bait
Filed under: Australia, Boeing, Contract Awards, McDonnell Douglas, Military Aviation, production program
The Australian government decided after all to go ahead with the purchase of the F/A-18 to gap fill until the JSF is available. An article is here. The new more liberal government had discussed canceling the contract to save money. Now they claim they have been able to reduce the total cost, so it is worthwhile. See a previous article here. Read more
Air Force to decide on F-35 depot
Filed under: Lockheed Martin, Military Aviation, U.S. Air Force, development program, logistics
An interesting part of the entry of any new equipment into service is where to have its depot? If the military is using their traditional three level maintenance program the system will require a depot. According to this short article in The Salt Lake Tribune it sounds like the Air Force’s depots, here Hill in Utah, are competing to get the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) work. Read more
US law prevents Australia from acquiring F-22
Filed under: Australia, Department of Defense, FMS, Federal Budget Process, Lockheed Martin, Military Aviation, U.S. Air Force, production program
Australia has expressed an interest in procuring F-22 Raptor aircraft. Currently they are planning on buying JSF ultimately. Currently US law prevents the export of the F-22. In this article from News.com.au, the US Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, expresses the sentiment that Australia would be good stewards of the F-22 if they received them. Obviously the law is to prevent the transfer of what is considered the best technology that the US has, but there are certain allies in the past that have been able to share it. As previously discussed technical transfer laws have become very restrictive and have affected US programs.
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