Testing Chief Warns Of F35 JSF Software Delays

http://aviationweek.com/defense/testing-chief-warns-jsf-software-delays

Development of the Block 3F version of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) cannot be completed on the current schedule—by July 31, 2017—without shortcuts that risk failure in the initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) program, according to Michael Gilmore, the Pentagon's director of OT&E (DOT&E). Block 3F is the culmination of the system development and demonstration (SDD) phase and conforms to the requirements set at the start of the program.

A Dec. 11 memorandum from Gilmore to Frank Kendall, undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, and Gen. Paul Selva, vice chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also warns that the program is risking trouble by attempting to define Block 4, the first post-service-entry upgrade, early this year, when Block 3F and its predecessor, Block 3i, are still "problematic" and performing poorly in testing.

DOT&E Gilmore's Verdict on F-35 Software Demonstrations

• Block 2F for Marine Corps F-35B IOC in 2015 delivered with "hundreds of deficiencies"
• Block 3i for Air Force F-35A IOC in 2016 "problematic" and performing poorly in development testing
• Block 3F to complete F-35 system development in 2017 "demonstrating poor performance"
• Block 4, first post-service-entry upgrade, too aggressive and under-resourced

Full article:
http://aviationweek.com/defense/testing-chief-warns-jsf-software-delays