Index

Title: The Joint Strike Fighter

Subject: This study evaluates the Joint Strike Fighter program, a joint acquisition effort responsible for the development of the next generation of strike-fighter aircraft for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.

Author(s): Derek W. Avance; Christopher S. Ceplecha; Robert E. Clay; Terry M. Featherston; David S. Grantham; Thomas E. Gregory (Faculty Advisor); Patrick A. Kelleher; David Kelly; Thomas L. Moore (Faculty Advisor); Garry L. Pendleton; John Rupp; Christopher E. Yelder

DTIC Keywords: AIR FORCE, AIR FORCE OPERATIONS, AIR FORCE PERSONNEL, AIR FORCE TRAINING, AIRCRAFT, AIRCRAFT AMMUNITION, AIRCRAFT CARRIERS, AIRCRAFT DEFENSE SYSTEMS, AIRCRAFT DESIGN, AIRCRAFT DETECTION, AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT, AIRCRAFT FLARES, AIRCRAFT GUNS, AIRCRAFT INTERCEPTION, AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE, AMPHIBIOUS AIRCRAFT, ANTIAIRCRAFT AMMUNITION, ATTACK AIRCRAFT, BOMBER AIRCRAFT, CARRIER BASED AIRCRAFT, FIGHTER AIRCRAFT, FIXED WING AIRCRAFT, JET AIRCRAFT, JET TRAINING AIRCRAFT, MARINE CORPS, MARINE CORPS AIRCRAFT, MARINE CORPS AVIATION, MARINE CORPS OPERATIONS, MARINE CORPS PERSONNEL, MARINE CORPS TRAINING, MILITARY AIRCRAFT, NAVAL AIRCRAFT, NAVAL AVIATION, NAVAL OPERATIONS, NAVAL PERSONNEL, NAVAL PROCUREMENT, NAVAL TRAINING, NAVAL WARFARE, RESEARCH AIRCRAFT, SHORT TAKEOFF AIRCRAFT, SUPERSONIC AIRCRAFT, TACTICAL AIRCRAFT, TRAINING AIRCRAFT, VERTICAL TAKEOFF AIRCRAFT

Abstract: The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program is responsible for the development of the next generation of strike-fighter aircraft for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. The program is approaching critical stages in the development process. This study proposes that the JSF program is veering off course. The individual desires of the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps are superseding the requirements for a preeminent strike-fighter.

JSF program objectives are clearly defined. The JSF must be joint, operationally sound, and affordable. This development study proposes that the JSF must also be expeditionary and capable of performing in the littoral arena. These requirements can be met by the development and deployment of a single aircraft. The short takeoff, vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the JSF should be the choice of the US. It will successfully accomplish the mission of strike warfare for all three services. A flexible development study process consisting of independent research, interviews, and group discussion led to this thesis.

This study initially provides background information on the JSF program and examines the emerging environment of conflict. It then provides tactical recommendations for the design of the JSF and expounds on the benefits gained by the employment of a single strike-fighter. Finally, an architecture for the planning, transition, and implementation of the JSF is offered to ensure it meets and exceeds the demands of strike warfare in the 21st century.



Last updated 1997 Oct 09