Three basic Joint Strike Fighter derivatives will be developed, with the total of 3,002 aircraft to be produced for the USA and UK worth a projected $200 billion to the winning contractor.
System development and demonstration (SDD) - formerly engineering and manufacturing development - is estimated to be worth $25 billion, while around $8 billion has already been spent by the US Government and industry during the concept demonstration phase (CDP).
Conventional take-off landing (CTOL): the USAF plans to buy 1,763 to replace its Lockheed Martin F-16s and Fairchild A/OA-10s and to supplement its Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptors.
Aircraft carrier (CV): the US Navy plans to acquire 480 to replace its Boeing F/A-18C/D Hornets and supplement the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet It will be the navy's first stealth aircraft.
Short take-off vertical landing (STOVL): the US Marine Corps wants 609 JSFs to replace its F/A-18C/Ds and Boeing/BAE System AV-8B Harrier IIs.
An export market for 2,000-3,000 fighters is projected. The programme is based on a total production of 5,000 to 6,000 fighters. Through life support is estimated to be worth $1,000 billion.
As with CDP, the SDD phase has been opened up to foreign partners.
Other countries could include Australia, Brazil, Germany, Israel, Poland and Singapore.
Source: Flight International
