Interesting report out of InsideDefense.com
(free version) says Pentagon officials have relaxed the ground rules
the F-35A model, the conventional-takeoff-and-landing version of the
Joint Strike Fighter, can meet the minimum range goal for the aircraft
-- the minimum, not the desired range.
Also, officials agreed to lengthen the minimum short takeoff distance for the F-35B, even though that model already will carry a smaller weapons load than initially planned.
Original Article
Source: star-telegram
Author: Bob Cox
On Feb. 14, the Joint Requirements
Oversight Council -- in a previously unreported development -- agreed to
loosen select key performance parameters (KPPs) for the JSF during a
review of the program convened in advance of a high-level Feb. 21
Defense Acquisition Board meeting last month, at which the Pentagon
aimed to reset many dimensions of the program, including cost and
schedule.
Pentagon sources said a memorandum
codifying the JROC decisions has not yet been signed by Adm. James
Winnefeld, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the JROC
chair.
Sources familiar with the changes,
however, said the JROC -- which also includes the service vice chiefs of
staff -- agreed to adjust the "ground rules and assumptions" underlying
the F-35A's 590-nautical-mile, combat-radius KPP.
Last April, the Pentagon reported to
Congress in a selected acquisition report that "based on updated
estimate of engine bleed," the F-35A would have a combat radius of 584
nautical miles, below its threshold -- set in 2002 -- of 590 nautical
miles. (Editors note: The desired or "objective" range was 690 nm).
To extend the F-35A's combat radius,
the JROC agreed to a less-demanding flight profile that assumes
near-ideal cruise altitude and airspeed, factors that permit more
efficient fuel consumption. This would allow the estimate to be extended
to 613 nautical miles, according to sources familiar with the revised
requirement.
Also, officials agreed to lengthen the minimum short takeoff distance for the F-35B, even though that model already will carry a smaller weapons load than initially planned.
Original Article
Source: star-telegram
Author: Bob Cox
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