GAO Predicts F-35 Software Troubles May Drive Annual Costs Up To $15 Billion

[unhappycamper]

http://breakingdefense.com/2014/03/gao-predicts-f-35-software-troubles-may-drive-annual-costs-up-to-15-billion/



GAO Predicts F-35 Software Troubles May Drive Annual Costs Up To $15 Billion
By Colin Clark on March 24, 2014 at 5:05 PM

WASHINGTON: The Government Accountability Office, Congress’ watchdog, says the Pentagon will have to sharply increase annual funding for the Joint Strike Fighter should projected software delays persist.

Here’s the rub in this latest GAO report. It’s based on the director of Operational Test and Evaluations finding that the program won’t be able to make up lost time and deliver planes to the Marines on time. The Marines have already said they do not think the delivery of planes ready to go to war, known as Initial Operational Capability, will be affected by the software problems. Since software is so important to all of the the F-35?s three versions, the plane cannot handle some weapons considered crucial unless the right software version has been loaded.

One of the key software problem areas is the F-35?s Autonomic Logistics Information System, which monitors the plane’s systems and is crucial to managing its repairs and maintenance. If ALIS cannot be fixed quickly, that may delay the Marine’s IOC.

The most intriguing part of the GAO report is its estimate that the annual costs for the F-35 could rise to as much as $15 billion.

[snappyturtle]

1. Meanwhile, the homeless in America huddle to stay warm and thousands of

children go to bed hungry. Excuse me as I head to the nearest wall to bang my head.