Accession Number:

ADA516722

Title:

Joint Strike Fighter: Significant Challenges and Decisions Ahead

Descriptive Note:

Testimony

Corporate Author:

GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s):

• Sullivan, Michael

Report Date:

2010-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

20.0

Abstract:

The F-35 Lightning II, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter JSF, is the Department of Defenses DOD most costly and ambitious aircraft acquisition, seeking to simultaneously develop and field three aircraft variants for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and eight international partners. The JSF is critical for recapitalizing tactical air forces and will require a long-term commitment to very large annual funding outlays. The current estimated investment is 323 billion to develop and procure 2,457 aircraft. This statement draws substantively from GAOs March 19, 2010 report GAO-10-382. That report discusses JSF costs and schedules, warfighter requirements, manufacturing performance, procurement rates, and development testing plans. This statement also provides an updated analysis of relative costs and benefits from a second or alternate engine program.

Descriptors:

• *FIGHTER AIRCRAFT
• *STRIKE WARFARE
• *COSTS
• MANUFACTURING
• ACQUISITION
• INVESTMENTS
• VARIATIONS
• PLANNING
• TACTICAL AIR SUPPORT
• JOINT MILITARY ACTIVITIES
• PROCUREMENT
• ENGINES
• AIRCRAFT
• DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
• MILITARY OPERATIONS
• ESTIMATES

Subject Categories:

• Attack and Fighter Aircraft
• Economics and Cost Analysis

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE