JSF DUAL CAPABLE AIRCRAFT

Abstract

F-35 Follow-on Development(FoD) provides continuing incremental upgrades of the three F-35 variants and associated ground equipment. Upgrades are essential mission improvements for Air Interdiction and Strategic Attack, Close Air Support, Suppression and Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses, Offensive and Defensive Counter Air and expanded Surface Warfare. The Block 4 acquisition strategy is based upon incremental deliveries of capabilities in 4 sub-blocks. The strategy includes deliveries on a two year cycle with a focus on hardware and tech refresh change every four years. FoM capability planning includes an efficient transition from F-35 SDD to Follow-on Development. As SDD development activities ramp down, FoD will assume responsibility for improvements and modernization efforts. Block 4 capability planning includes Block 4.1 through 4.4 modernization efforts with intial increment of capability available in 2020 and subsequent releases every two years. Additionally, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Operational Requirements Document (ORD) calls for the F-35A variant to have the capabilities and provisions for Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) operations in the first post SDD block upgrade. DCA refers to the capability to carry and deliver conventional and non-conventional weapons. DCA operation for the F-35A is internal carriage of two B-61s. Due to extensive certification requirements, the Follow-on Modernization Capability Development Document (CDD). This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development, because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2017
• Source ID: 676011_0207142F_7_3600_PB_2017

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Strategic Security Studies