Costs higher, risks greater with joint aircraft programs like F-35: think-tank

http://www.guelphmercury.com/news-story/4437817-costs-higher-risks-greater-with-joint-aircraft-programs-like-f-35-think-tank/



Costs higher, risks greater with joint aircraft programs like F-35: think-tank
Guelph Mercury
By Alexander Panetta
Mar 28, 2014

WASHINGTON A report highly critical of joint-aircraft programs like the controversial F-35 stealth fighter has been delivered at the U.S. Congress, along with a pointed warning that the American military should avoid such initiatives in the future.

The paper, produced at the request of the former head of the U.S. air force procurement unit, was presented Friday at a congressional briefing by the Rand Corp. think-tank, which conducted the analysis.

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The attempt to create an all-in-one aircraft, designed to suit the needs of different services, was blamed for expensive engineering challenges. The long-term life-cycle cost was found to be between one-third and two-thirds higher, depending on the time frame studied and the variables considered.

"There is no evidence whatsoever that joint-fighter programs actually do save money," said study coauthor Mark Lorell, who delivered Friday's presentation.