F-35 C2D2

The F-35 C2D2 (Continuous Capability Development & Delivery) program, under Program Element 0604840F, is a major Air Force RDT&E initiative focused on the ongoing modernization and enhancement of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) fleet. The overarching goal is to ensure the F-35 remains operationally relevant and dominant against evolving threats by delivering incremental warfighting capability improvements across air vehicle, propulsion, mission systems, maintenance, and training domains. This program supports the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and international partners, with efforts coordinated through the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO).

Air Vehicle Tech Refresh 3 (TR-3): The TR-3 project is designed to provide a significant hardware and software upgrade to the F-35's computing infrastructure. This includes the development and integration of the Integrated Core Processor (ICP), Aircraft Memory System (AMS), and Panoramic Cockpit Display Electronics Unit (PCD-EU/PCD-DU). The objective is to increase processing capacity, enable future software capabilities, and address diminishing manufacturing sources. TR-3 is essential for supporting advanced mission systems and ensuring the F-35 can accommodate new operational requirements over its lifecycle.

Air Vehicle Block 4 Planning & Systems Engineering: This line funds the development and integration of new and modernized aircraft hardware and software, as well as new weapons integration. Block 4 modernization aims to counter advanced threats by enhancing lethality, survivability, and interoperability. Key objectives include improving radar, electronic warfare, communication/navigation/identification (CNI) systems, and integrating advanced weapons. The project also supports cyber resilience, digital engineering, and the evaluation of external fuel tanks for extended range.

Test and Evaluation (T&E): The T&E line supports integrated developmental and operational testing of F-35 upgrades, including Block 4 and TR-3. Activities include flight and ground testing, instrumentation upgrades, and digital infrastructure enhancements at sites such as Edwards AFB and Pax River NAS. The goal is to validate new capabilities, ensure system integration, and maintain test fleet viability. Investments in modeling and simulation, as well as lab modernization, are also included to support efficient and effective test processes.

Propulsion (PP): This project focuses on the development and modernization of the F135 engine, including the Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) and Power and Thermal Management System (PTMS) improvements. Objectives include supporting Block 4 flight test requirements, increasing engine life and affordability, and providing additional power and cooling for future mission systems. The program also funds risk reduction, hardware procurement, and transition of support requirements to organic capabilities.

Maintenance Systems (MxS): The MxS line supports the transition from the legacy Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) to the Operational Data Integrated Network (ODIN). ODIN aims to provide a modern, cloud-based logistics and maintenance system, reducing administrative workload, increasing readiness, and enabling rapid software updates. Efforts focus on hardware and software modernization, data centralization, and the deployment of containerized software to support holistic fleet management.

Combat Data Systems (CDS): CDS funding supports the Joint Reprogramming Environment (JRE) and Mission Planning Environment (MPE), which are critical for electronic warfare and mission data file development. The objectives are to modernize software tools, reduce mission data development time, enhance combat effectiveness, and ensure timely integration of Block 4 capabilities. The program also advances cloud-based DevSecOps infrastructure to support agile software delivery.

Training Systems & Simulation: This project develops and aligns F-35 training systems with operational capabilities, including Block 4 upgrades. Efforts include the development of the Production Runtime Server (PRTS), Distributed Mission Training (DMT), and the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE). The goal is to provide high-fidelity, integrated pilot and maintainer training, and to ensure training systems keep pace with aircraft enhancements.

Infrastructure & Support Costs: This line funds the acquisition and product support workforce, program management, IT, cybersecurity, and other support services necessary for C2D2 development. It covers civilian pay, travel, advisory services, and audit support, ensuring the program office can effectively oversee and execute F-35 modernization activities.

DevSecOps: The DevSecOps project provides a centralized cloud-based software development environment for all F-35 PMOs. The aim is to accelerate software modernization, improve security, and reduce delivery timelines by consolidating tools, automating development pipelines, and supporting continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices. Investments include cloud platform services, software licenses, and cybersecurity compliance.

Utility and Subsystem Support to Mission Systems: This line funds the Power Thermal Management Upgrade (PTMU), which is critical for meeting increased cooling and power demands from new mission systems. The PTMU includes upgrades to the PTMS, FTMS, and EPS, with nonrecurring engineering to support development, testing, and certification of these systems for future F-35 capabilities.

Information Operations Technology: This line item supports the procurement of Microsoft 365 Enterprise Licensing Upgrades to enhance Zero Trust cybersecurity capabilities within the F-35 program's information environment.