Therefore, in the fiscal year 2016, sums were added for other 57 JSFs, despite the controversies that are affecting the development of the fifth-generation fighter (which could fire its cannon only in 2019).
The US Department of Defense will buy 44 F-35 for conventional takeoff and landing for the Air Force, nine for short takeoff and vertical landing for the Marine Corps and four for the Navy.
In the budget, therefore, we can see the will to continue to finance the JSF, allocating funds also to try at least to reach that Initial Operational Capacity expected in a few months.
The Pentagon should buy 2443 Joint Strike Fighter for a total cost of 400 billion dollars, the 70 per cent more than the original projections and for more aircraft, while the 10 allies will buy 721 fighters.
The production contract for the Joint Strike Fighter was awarded to Lockheed in the 2001. To date, 109 fighters have been delivered while development and testing continues.
About 100 F-35 pilots have been trained at Englin, including British and Dutch aviators. Much of the training was performed on the simulators, because the aircraft's software is not yet ready.
The Air Force will reach the initial operational capacity of the F-35A as soon as the first squad consisting of 12-24 aircraft will be formed, with trained aviators and crews able to perform close air support missions, interdiction and limited suppression and destruction of enemy anti-aircraft defenses.
The F-35A will reach full initial operational capability between August and December of the 2016.
The Marine Body equipped with the F-35B will reach initial operational capability as soon as the first 10-16 aircraft squadron has been formed, with infantry and trained crew to carry out close missions, interceptions, armed reconnaissance missions and support with land forces. The F-35B will achieve full initial operational capability between July and December of the 2015.
Us Navy, finally equipped with the F-35C, will achieve full initial operational capability as soon as the first 10 airplane squadron has been formed with personnel trained and trained military personnel and pilots. The F-35C will achieve full initial operational capability between August 2018 and February 2019.
Franco Iacch
(photo: Lockheed Martin)
