Joint Strike Fighter: Significant Challenges Remain as DOD Restructures Program
Abstract
The JSF program continues to struggle with increased costs and slowed progress?negative outcomes that were foreseeable as events have unfolded over several years. Total estimated acquisition costs have increased $46 billion and development extended 2 years, compared to the program baseline approved in 2007. DOD is now taking some positive steps that, if effectively implemented, should improve outcomes and provide more realistic cost and schedule estimates. Officials increased time and funding for system development, added 4 aircraft to the flight test program, and reduced near-term procurement quantities by 122 aircraft. Restructuring is not done and further cost growth and schedule extensions are likely. There is a substantial risk that the program will not deliver the expected number of aircraft and required capabilities on time. Dates for achieving initial operational capabilities may have to be extended or some requirements deferred to future upgrades. Also, aircraft unit costs will likely exceed the thresholds established by the statutory provision commonly referred to as Nunn-McCurdy and require the Department to certify the need for the JSF to Congress. Program setbacks in costs, deliveries, and performance directly impact modernization plans and retirement schedules of the legacy aircraft the JSF is slated to replace.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 11, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA515815
Entities
People
- Bruce Fairbairn
- Charlie Shivers
- David Adams
- Greg Campbell
- Lindsay Taylor
- Matt Lea
- Michael Sullivan
- Ridge Bowman
- W. K. Roberts
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office