USAF tac-air recap plan dead. F-35 orders cut by over 60 percent.

In: 2001, USAF stated they wanted the following F-35s ordered per year in full-rate production.

110

Program of record (last orders) would end in: 2028

In: 2006, because of cost risk and difficulty in the program, USAF stated they wanted the following F-35s ordered per year in full-rate production.

80

Program of record (last orders) would end in: 2035-37

In: 2008, faced with an unworkable budget for expensive tac-air, USAF plans and programs office (those who tell the boss what can be paid for in a budget) stated there was only money enough for:

48 per year...

...once F-35 full-rate production started in...2014. As reported at the time by Aviation Week.

Program of record (last orders) would end in: ?


Today: 43

No one can state what congress will approve to buy, 5, 10 or 15 yeas from now.

"The US Air Force cut five F-35As from its fiscal year 2017 budget request while fully funding the Long Range Strike-Bomber and KC-46 tanker, sources said.

The Air Force reduced the F-35A buy in FY-17 from a planned 48 aircraft to just 43, according to one source. It is not clear if the Air Force will reduce the overall planned buy of 1,763 aircraft. These figures do not take into account the total F-35 buy across the US armed services or purchases by international partners."

That last sentence in the quote is weak given that: 1, USAF is THE customer who is the example of program confidence and 2, that non U.S. customers have been sold thin-air as a concept; and now, reality. And, it isn't just money driven. As a weapon system, the F-35 is junk. It has limited war-fighting value.

To date, the U.S. tax payer has sunk over $110B into this program.

For a little over 150, faulty, aircraft.

Finally, full-rate production, can only happen once DOD and Congress are aware that a robust testing program is complete.

When, if ever, that happens. The program is currently building all of its jets in DOD program milestone B. This is illegal. Low-rate, initial production (LRIP) aircraft can only be done when DOD procurement milestone C is in place. This certification signifies the design of the aircraft and production methods, are stable. Is it any wonder why we get repeat, annual test reports that are the longest in history for any weapon program ever, with numerous, significant problems?

H/T- Solomon