The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F/A-22 Raptor appears to have breezed through a major review, even as the US Air Force waits for the final report on initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) of the stealth fighter.
Testing officials are expected to deliver a final report on IOT&E later this month, but early impressions of the F/A-22's performance in flight trials were enough to boost confidence in the programme across the air force and industry.
A Defense Acquisition Board (DAB) meeting tasked to set the parameters for the F/A-22 to meet before awarding the next yearly production contract was completed without discussion, undersecretary of defense for acquisition Michael Wynne said on 10 November.
The DAB, which Wynne chairs, also approved the criteria for awarding a contract for long-lead items to prepare for a full-rate production decision in fiscal year 2006.
Meanwhile, the air force will work to satisfy the exit criteria early next year for a Lot 5 contract award covering aircraft deliveries in 2007. Lockheed Martin is now delivering aircraft placed under contract in 2002. Wynne also set the agenda for the next DAB meeting to consider the F/A-22's readiness to enter full-rate production in FY06.
The board will scrutinise details of an updated test and evaluation master plan schedule that addresses deficiencies identified in IOT&E and several mission areas excluded from the initial evaluation.
A follow-on test and evaluation period is scheduled for mid-2005 to address the integration of Raytheon's AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missile, Joint Helmet- Mounted Cueing System and a Link 16 transmit capability.
Finally, Wynne says he "provided direction concerning oversight of F/A-22 modernisation efforts," but did not elaborate. Meanwhile, approval of Lot 5 exit criteria sets the stage for contract negotiations to start early next year between the air force and Lockheed Martin.
The USAFis expecting to realise significant savings from promised gains in manufacturing efficiencies, perhaps driving down the $130 million cost of the aircraft, a figure that includes bills for research and development.
The F/A-22's fully-amortised unit cost is more than $250 million.
STEPHEN TRIMBLE / WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
