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.