Air Force still committed to F-35 program
Staff report-Air Force Times
Posted : Wednesday Apr 14, 2010 12:48:04 EDT
The Air Force is not looking at new options to extend the service life of its fighter fleet despite continued setbacks in the F-35 program, service officials told legislators Tuesday.
The service will move forward with plans to upgrade its F-16s, F-15s and A-10s but will not launch any new programs, officers said in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee’s air-land subcommittee.
The F-35, the Air Force’s preferred aircraft to replenish its fighter fleet, continues to have development delays and cost increases.
Air Force officers on Tuesday said they expect the F-35 to reach initial operational capability is predicted for 2016, a three-year delay from the original plan.
“The Air Force is committed to the [F-35] Joint Strike Fighter to be our solution to recapitalization,” said Lt. Gen. Mark Shackelford, military deputy to the assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition. “We are focused on the fifth-generation fighter.”
The Air Force’s F-16s, F-15s and A-10s are considered fourth-generation fighters because they lack stealth capabilities. The F-35 and F-22 are considered fifth-generation because of their stealthiness and advanced electronics.
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