The DOT&E report is out. There are 33 pages on the F-35 program and will take days to digest and make some sense out of it as primarily they are statistical in nature. Initial brief read of executive summary and some of the details presents a very different outlook on the program as opposed to the more sensationalised nature coming off the news report.
The main takeaway includes :
(i) Program delay primarily coming off from the engine fire in June 2014 which had a cascading effect on restricted flight testing and consequently on testing points completion. Block 2B testing completion pushed back from end Oct 2014 to end Jan 2015. The net impact is development fixers on Block 2B deferred to Block 3i. Reading between the lines mean that there is an intervening period between IOC for F-35B to Block 3i targeted for F-35A IOC (Air Force) where operationally the Marines will have to operate without the development fixes.
(ii) Reduced fleet availability (39 % achieved vs. program goal of 60 %) as a result of higher maintenance needed to monitor engine health and restrictive aircraft operating limit (AOL). This will continue to impact productivity (loss of 17 % in 2014) until the AOL is lifted.
(iii) Mission Data Load testing delayed due to contractor not meeting delivery schedule. This is expected to create significant operational risk to fielded units because the first 2 mission data loads would not be available until November 2015 against IOC for the Marines in July 2015.
(iv) Software issues in Block 2B affecting Weapons Delivery Accuracy events with overall 2/3 completion against planned targets with some being deferred to Block 3F.
Overall, the report did not provide an assessment on what the above cumulative effect would have on key timelines. It is difficult to draw a conclusion beyond the fact that there are some delays requiring rescheduling of activities. .
here's the link:
