Navy: F-35C will be eyes and ears of the fleet

[jhk]

This is just the quick highlights of FY25 navy budget:

https://www.secnav.navy.mil/fmc/fmb/Doc ... s_Book.pdf


82 F-35C planned procurement FY25-29

On a brighter note SM-6 procurement will finally reach acceptable numbers FY28-29, 300 procured per year.

Two things that stick out to me:

Firstly, as much as (or even more than) the widely remarked apprehension towards TR-3 delays and the immaturity of the Block 4 pipeline, I think the major limiting factor against an F-35C procurement increase is the state of F-35 support infrastructure. Based on publicized info since the first deployments, I can't think of how F-35C integration or production in and of themselves would be a source of major apprehension.
Lockheed F-35 representative stated at Tailhook '24 that production could be scaled up to 30 F-35Cs delivered annually. https://youtu.be/QT243OG_bmQ?si=u4CO6Vu54B39E06c&t=213

We have the capacity to actually produce up to 30 F-35Cs per year. We haven't gotten that rate yet, we're not sure we'll get there, but we could do that if asked.
- F-35C Program Manager Jim Gigliotti

Also at Tailhook, CNAF Dan Cheever stated that F-35C Mission Capable rates were "on the cusp" of meeting requirements (unsure if this is the 75% minimum or the 85% objective), maintainability of LO materials was greater than expected, and the upkeep focus is on long-term health. https://youtu.be/swh1zLPQzLE?si=frAS534l8cia0EoH&t=592 NAVAIR Commander Carl Chebi stated that F-35C readiness rates aboard carriers were 94%. https://twitter.com/RepKatiePorter/status/1801032823198961928
(I am still confused as to the distinction between 'readiness' and MC/FMC)

The GAO's F-35 report from April this year shows the F-35C as meeting reliability metrics regarding flight hours between downtime and maintenance man-hours, with the glaring deficiencies being the time needed to repair. The report also reiterates the GAO's remarks that the F135 maintenance pipeline and spare parts supply chain are still significantly immature. Fleet-wide MC/FMC rates across FY22-23 are listed around 62%/20%.

gao-24-106703.pdf

GAO Report on F-35 Sustainment (2024 April 15)

(884.91 KiB) Downloaded 1124 times

Based on the discrepancy between the widely disparaged fleet-wide readiness rates and the comparatively recent indicators from CNAF and NAVAIR, as well as the reported finer details of the sustainability issue, it sounds like the high reliability of currently deployed F-35Cs is thanks to their low volume not being compromised by the JSF logistics chain, and NAVAIR wants to keep it that way in order to operate onboard 35Cs close to F-18E/F tempo.

Secondly, what's with AMRAAM procurement rapidly diminishing starting in FY2025 and stopping entirely by '28?

FY25-29 Navy Budget | Figure 2.4, Page 2-9

Is there precedent for a sort pause in missile procurement due to existing stockpiles and service lifespans, or should this be indicative of a different procurement direction?

[wrightwing]

Secondly, what's with AMRAAM procurement rapidly diminishing starting in FY2025 and stopping entirely by '28?

Screen Shot 2024-09-19 at 13.07.32.png

Is there precedent for a sort pause in missile procurement due to existing stockpiles and service lifespans, or should this be indicative of a different procurement direction?

That's due to JATM. Ostensibly, the idea is for JATM to replace AMRAAM. We'll see if that happens, or if they end up continuing to buy AMRAAM.

[squirrelshoes]

What do they have only four carriers that can employ F-35Cs? Given they are talking about one squadron per ship and how often a given carrier is actually at sea versus port, I don't blame USN for the slow pace awaiting block 4.

[quicksilver]

https://simpleflying.com/aircraft-carri ... -fighters/

Briefly, some ship mods are necessary.

[Corsair1963]

What do they have only four carriers that can employ F-35Cs? Given they are talking about one squadron per ship and how often a given carrier is actually at sea versus port, I don't blame USN for the slow pace awaiting block 4.

Yes, the story leaves out a lot of details and is very misleading. First, only 4-5 USN Super Carriers are actually deployed at any given time. Second, all of the new carriers currently under construction will have the ability to operate the F-35C. Third, ships currently undergoing refits are having the capability added during the process.

This combined with Navy wanting to wait as long as possible for the Block 4 makes perfect sense.

[ricnunes]

100 F-35Cs and Counting

The F-35C is bringing advanced, long-range 5th Generation strike-fighter capabilities to America’s Aircraft Carriers – a potent symbol of deterrence and resolve.

More than 100 F-35Cs have already been delivered to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

F-35 Seapower

The F-35C is the Navy's first stealth fighter and the world’s only 5th Generation, long-range stealth strike fighter.

With advanced stealth, advanced capabilities and superior range, the F-35C is the most advanced fighter to ever operate from a carrier deck.

The F-35’s growing presence across the Indo-Pacific region underpins peace through strength.

In Theaters Now

When deterrence fails, superior capabilities matter. Enter USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) with F-35Cs embarked as a key component of Carrier Air Wing NINE.

Last month, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 conducted the first F-35C combat air strikes, against Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen.

“My Marines are honored to be first to fight with the F-35C,” said Marine Lt. Col. Jeffrey Davis, commanding officer of the unit.

Source:
https://www.f35.com/f35/news-and-featur ... nting.html