http://www.difesaonline.it/mondo-militare/f-35-altri-ritardi-allorizzonte-la-consegna-del-block-3f-non-%C3%A8-realistica-alis

(Franco Iacch)
24/01/16

"The delivery of Block 3F by 31 July 2017 is not realistic." And 'as he wrote in a note dated 11 December (but made public only hours ago) Michael Gilmore, director of the Department of Defense for the operational assessment of systems.

The software should give full 3F warfare capabilities. The Joint Program Office has confirmed four months of "potential delay", but confirms that the 3F will be completed by the summer of 2017, with operating functions by the autumn of that year. Flight tests with the Block 3F began last January 15. The tests are necessary to detect any conflicts between the major systems and to make any corrections. Gilmore, however, in a memorandum of 48 hours ago, stressed "the poor performance" during the development tests also the 3rd Block, the next release of the software planned for the F-35.

The third has been continuously improved - immediately retaliated by JPO - only the first revisions contained deficiencies that were resolved later.

Despite these reassurances, the delays continue to worry the Pentagon. We already know that in fiscal 2016, as provided by the National Defense Authorization Act, the F-35 will receive less funding. The Air Force will buy only 34 aircraft, compared to 44 included in the budget request. Probably, the Air Force will be granted three more F-35A.

Gilmore, finally, the memorandum continues to raise obvious concerns about ALIS. The Autonomic Logistics Information System or 'ALIS' is the nerve center of the F-35. The intention, should enable pilots as well as the force on the ground support to undertake proactive measures to ensure the efficiency of the hunt in any theater of operations.

The version of 'ALIS' delivered to the Marine is the 2.0.1. This version implements all the improvements made to date in the framework of an approach of incremental development. Improved and increased the real-time capability of the aircraft maintenance, as well as mission planning and debriefing. The missions are loaded on a hard drive. Once on the network, 'ALIS' monitors and suggests hunting ground staff the necessary maintenance before and after the mission.

The latest software release, according to the Department of Defense, to ensure 'ALIS' stability. Does not think so Gilmore complains that "many critical and complex architecture with likely and largely untested computer deficiencies." The strategy of the development of the JSF program, is based on the implementation of software that in turn increase the capacity of the platform.

To date they have been allocated funds for the Block-4 final. The F-35 will fly in 2040, it will be equipped with the Block-7. Block 1A / 1B comprises 78 percent of the source code needed for the F-35 Initial Operational Capabilities providing software training, and primary interaction between systems major. The fleet currently has "loaded" software Block-2A. Increase the general capabilities of the aircraft for pilot training including features off-board fusion, initial data links, electronic countermeasures and debrief improved. With the lock-2A, it is supplied 86 percent of the code necessary to achieve the Initial Operational Capacity. The Marine Corps with the F-35B has achieved Initial Operational Capacity with software block 2B. 2B gives the Close Air Support basic with the ability to launch AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile), JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) and GBU-12 (laser-guided aerial bomb). To detect, that the F-35B in service with Marine is equipped with a special version of the software Block 2B. The squadron of Marine, called 'Group 1', has most of the hardware changes already implemented (and that tomorrow will be integrated into mass production) as reinforced bulkheads. The aircraft could go into battle with equipment 'reduced': AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, bombs GBU-12 and GBU-39.

The Air Force is expected to reach initial operational capability with the F-35A in 2016 with the next iteration of the software, called 3i. Described as a technical upgrade of Block 2B, the third will allow the aircraft to use JDAM GBU-12 and AMRAAM. The F-35A will have capacity of close air support substantial only in 2018, when it will reach the Full Operational Capacity.

Only in 2019 (less than sensational delays), the F-35A will fire the cannon inside and release a number of ammunition including AIM-9X, AMRAAM, GBU-12, GBU-31 and II-SDB (Small Diameter Bomb II). The software Block 3F will provide 100 percent of capacity 'Warfighting' fighter, with total integration of all external systems. The Block 3F was written, according to the latest information of Lockheed and is being tested.

The SDB-II system will be integrated with the software Block-4a. The Block 4 will be divided into two segments. The Block-fourth will be ready between 2021 and 2022, while the 4B for 2023. The twelve million dollars to write the Block-4 were included in the budget 2014. A large part of the development of the Block-4 will be devoted to countermeasures against enemy air defense systems exist and those that will arise in future years.

Under the Marine Corps Aviation Plan, the F-35 will replace the EA-6B Prowler fleet by 2019 and will displace the AV-8B Harrier from 2026. The F-35 finally detects the F / A -18 Hornet in 2030. The Air Force will reach initial operational capability of the F-35A as soon as it formed the first squadron consists of 12 to 24 aircraft, with pilots and crews trained and capable of performing close air support missions , interdiction and limited suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses. The F-35A will reach Initial Operational Capacity between August and December of 2016.

The US Navy, eventually equipped with the F-35C, will reach initial operational capability as soon as it formed the first squadron consists of 10 aircraft, with pilots and staff of the navy trained and able to carry out the missions assigned. The 'F-35C will reach Initial Operational Capacity between August 2018 and February 2019. The complete package of software 3F.

---

IZAKOVIC