F-35 Squadrons

The F-35 Squadrons Program Element (PE 0207142F) is a critical component of the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, focusing on operational systems development for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) family. The overarching goal of this program is to develop, field, and sustain an affordable, highly common family of next-generation strike aircraft for the United States Air Force (USAF), Navy, Marine Corps, and international partners. The program supports three F-35 variants: the F-35A (Conventional Takeoff and Landing), F-35B (Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing), and F-35C (Carrier Variant). Maximizing commonality among these variants is intended to minimize total lifecycle costs and facilitate interoperability.

675346: F-35 focuses on USAF-specific requirements, including ongoing SEEK EAGLE, Quick Reaction Instrumentation Package (QRIP), and data collection initiatives. The Air Force SEEK EAGLE Office (AFSEO) is responsible for aircraft/store compatibility testing and evaluation, ensuring accurate combat weapon delivery and robust mission planning software. Key objectives include expanding the operational envelope, conducting mixed loads testing, integrating additional stores, and performing risk reduction studies specific to the F-35A. The program also procures scale models for wind tunnel testing at Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC), which increases throughput and supports weapons integration objectives. Efforts are underway to ensure Low Observable Sustainability Over Time (LOSOT) through annual radar cross section testing, with upgrades to the National Radar Test Facility (NRTF) to support these requirements.

The Quick Reaction Instrumentation Package (QRIP) / Crowd Sourced Flight Data (CSFD) initiative is designed to enhance the F-35 fleet's data recording and analysis capabilities. Managed by the 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES), QRIP enables the rapid collection and transport of post-flight data from both test and operational environments. This data is leveraged to improve Mission Data Files (MDF) and onboard Software Data Load (SDL), supporting future capability development, especially for Block 4 upgrades. The program aims to expand the use of data science teams and integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to increase the operational viability of CSFD across the F-35 fleet.

Joint Simulator Environment (JSE) / Virtual Test and Training Center (VTTC) is another important aspect of the F-35 program, connecting simulators for 5th and 4th generation fighters, C2ISR platforms, and bombers in a secure virtual battlespace. This enables advanced tactics development and joint training opportunities, capitalizing on investments in high-fidelity simulations for both Air Force and Navy platforms. The digital integration of F-35 aircraft and sensors into the JSE supports both operational test and training missions, setting the stage for future joint and coalition training environments.

676011: JSF Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) line item is dedicated to ensuring the F-35A variant meets NATO and US requirements for dual-capable operations, specifically the ability to carry and deliver both conventional and non-conventional weapons. The primary focus is on integrating and certifying the internal carriage of nuclear weapons. This effort involves comprehensive development, analysis, testing, integration, certification, and risk-reduction activities necessary to field and maintain DCA capabilities throughout post-System Development and Demonstration (SDD) block upgrades.

The program includes software regression testing, mission system flight testing, propulsion mission support, and Aircraft Monitor and Control (AMAC) testing, with ongoing updates to nuclear safety documentation and certification processes. The DCA program also supports non-recurring engineering for service life extension of developmental test aircraft, modifications to ensure production representativeness, and risk mitigation for future integration efforts. Coordination with Lockheed Martin (prime contractor) and Pratt & Whitney (propulsion support) is central to these activities, along with support from the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) and other agencies. The acquisition strategy leverages both cost and fixed price incentive contracts, as well as long-term agreements for laboratory and test aircraft upgrades, ensuring technology maturation for future capability development.