F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program: Background, Status, and Issues

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA454343 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The Defense Departments F-35 Joint Strike Fighter JSF is one of three aircraft programs at the center of current debate over tactical aviation, the others being the Air Force F-22A fighter and the Navy FA-18EF fighterattack plane. In November 1996, the Defense Department selected two major aerospace companies, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, to demonstrate competing designs for the JSF, a joint service and multi-role fighterattack plane. On October 26, 2001, the Lockheed Martin team was selected to develop further and to produce a family of conventional take-off and landing CTOL, carrier-capable CV, and short take-off vertical landing STOVL aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps and the U.K. Royal Navy as well as other allied services. Originally designated the Joint Advanced Strike Technology JAST program, the JSF program is a major issue in Congress because of concerns about its cost and budgetary impact, effects on the defense industrial base, and implications for U.S. national security in the early 21st century.

Author(s):
Bolkcom, Christopher
Author Organization(s):
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
Descriptive Note:
Congressional rept.
Supplementary Note:
CRS Report for Congress.
Pagination:
0029

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
CRS-RL30563
Monitor Series:
CRS/DC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_4.2_Supply; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_4.2.3_Manage Global Supplier Networks; JCA_4.2.1_Manage Supplies and Equipment; JCA_8.2.3_Build the Capabilities and Capacities of Partners and Institutions; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_5.2.2_Develop Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_5.2_Understand
Modernization Areas:
Autonomy
Communities of Interest:
Air Platforms
Descriptor(s):
*FIGHTER AIRCRAFT, CONGRESS, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, NATIONAL SECURITY, INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, MULTIPLE OPERATION, COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Attack and Fighter Aircraft, Economics and Cost Analysis
Keyword(s):
JSF(JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER), F 35 AIRCRAFT
Report Date:
2006 Jun 02
Creation Date:
2006 Oct 04