UK and Australia could get early deliveries of Block 2 configuration with upgrade a year later
Lockheed Martin F-35s could be delivered to the first international customers in 2012 despite a projected one-year extension of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme's development phase.
One option would allow the programme to release less-capable F-35 models to foreign buyers with delivery requirements in 2012. The aircraft would be delivered in the Block 2 configuration, with only software changes and weapons integration tests needed to upgrade to Block 3 about a year later.
Maj Gen John Hudson, JSF programme manager, says the alternative plan is being developed as potential foreign customers are consulted. "Are Block 2 airplanes a whole year early good enough," says Hudson, "or is everyone going to wait until Block 3?"
The configurations share propulsion and airframe designs, but have vastly different capabilities. Block 3 JSF would have a full-up weapon system capable of the aircraft's full mission profile, including carrying all external and internal weapons loads. Block 2 could carry air-to-ground precision weapons for interdiction and close air-support missions, but lacks most of its potential air-to-air arsenal, including Raytheon AIM-9X Sidewinders and MBDA AIM-132 Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles.
The option is aimed at the UK and Australia, which need to begin replacing ageing aircraft no later than 2012, says Michael Cosentino, Lockheed Martin's director of international programmes. Singapore is another potential customer that would require F-35 deliveries to begin in 2012, but it has not yet signed a formal agreement to enter the programme as a security co-operation participant.
The US Marine Corps had expected to receive the first operational F-35 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2008, but is now more likely to receive the first aircraft in FY09. The first US deliveries are in the Block 1 configuration, which includes a minimal operational load of Boeing GBU-31 and GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munitions and two Raytheon AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles.
The proposed one-year programme extension is part of a draft replan of the original 10.5-year system development and demonstration phase that is expected to be approved by the Defense Acquisition Board on 17 June. The delay raises the programme's total cost from $33 billion to $40.5 billion.
STEPHEN TRIMBLE / WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
