F-35 CV Series

The F-35 CV Series Modification Program is a major line item in the Navy's Aircraft Procurement budget, focused on the ongoing modernization and sustainment of the carrier-based F-35C Joint Strike Fighter fleet. The goal of this program is to ensure the F-35C remains a highly capable, survivable, and reliable multi-role strike fighter, able to meet evolving operational requirements and threats. The program's objectives include correcting documented deficiencies, implementing block upgrades, enhancing propulsion systems, and improving reliability and maintainability. These modifications are managed by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and executed through a combination of contractor field teams and organic depot activities, with investments planned to support an active inventory of 219 aircraft and an objective fleet size of 317.

Correction of Deficiencies is a key component of the program, focusing on the resolution of safety, reliability, maintainability, and structural life-limiting issues. The primary thrust is the Structural Life Limited Parts (SLLP) effort, which aims to remove flight hour restrictions below 8,000 hours by retrofitting critical airframe components, including the unique CV Upper Wing Skin deficiencies found in early Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) aircraft. Funding supports non-recurring engineering, procurement of modification kits, installation labor, and depot support, with the first major depot inductions for the Upper Wing Skin modifications planned. The expansion of Fleet Readiness Center East by seven docks will increase modification capacity, helping to avoid aircraft groundings and ensure timely completion of SLLP corrections, which are projected to continue through 2047.

The Block 4 Upgrade is designed to retrofit advanced hardware and software capabilities to the F-35C fleet, enhancing lethality and survivability against current and future threats. Block 4 upgrades are implemented via a Continuous Capability Development and Delivery approach, rather than traditional block upgrades, and include over 66 individual capability enhancements. These upgrades cover avionics (Technical Refresh 3), next-generation sensors (Distributed Aperture System), electronic warfare improvements, advanced communications, navigation, and identification processors, and new vehicle management computers. Funding supports procurement and installation of multiple hardware kits, integrated logistics support, and tooling investments, with manufacturing capacity ramping up to meet retrofit demands.

Propulsion modifications address engine-related readiness degraders, production deficiencies, obsolescence, and life-cycle cost reduction for the F-35C's F135 engine. Modifications include hardware and software upgrades such as pigtail removal, bushing replacements, stator redesigns, scavenge tube durability improvements, gear retrofits, and reliability enhancements for critical engine components. These changes are intended to improve reliability, maintainability, and availability (RM&A), with installations managed by both field and depot teams. Funding will support the procurement and installation of these upgrades, with manufacturers providing the necessary kits and equipment.

Reliability and Maintainability efforts are focused on reducing cost per flight hour and improving overall fleet readiness by addressing RM&A issues and obsolescence. Modifications under this program are typically small-scale engineering change proposals (ECPs) that can be installed quickly at the unit or depot level. Funding will support the procurement and installation of both A and B kits, which include various reliability and maintainability improvements identified through fleet operations and analysis. The goal is to ensure the F-35C platform remains operationally effective and cost-efficient throughout its service life.

Inactive or completed modification programs serve as a placeholder for prior year funds associated with completed efforts, such as earlier upgrades and concurrency efforts. These archived modifications reflect earlier investments in bringing the F-35C fleet to baseline operational capability and addressing concurrency issues between production and fielded aircraft. No new funding is requested for these items, but their inclusion provides transparency and historical context for the overall modification program.