National Defense Authorization Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, the committee is closely monitoring upgrades to F-35 software and other capabilities under the continuous capability development and delivery C2D2 stragetic modernization framework. The principal purpose for C2D2 is the development of Block 4 software and weapons system upgrades, which also includes other elements like Technical Refresh-3 and dual weapons capability, to ensure the F-35 maintains it operational advantage. However, the committee is concerned the planned F-35 air vehicle capability growth, associated with Block 4 weapons systems enhancements, will exceed the established thrust, power, and thermal management capabilities of the current F135 propulsion system beginning with the delivery of Lot 18 aircraft. Such a capability gap between the current F135 performance and future requirements could significantly constrain the operational capabilities of the F-35 weapons system.

The committee is aware of a recent agreement to conduct a 6-month propulsion study and operational assessment to determine the specific F135 propulsion growth requirement that would address this capability gap. The study to determine the future propulsion requirement is expected to conclude in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The committee strongly endorses this approach and encourages the Department of Defense to submit recommendations to Congress following completion of the study. Further, the committee strongly supports a long-term focus on propulsion improvements over fiscal years 2021-2025 necessary to support engineering and manufacturing development for upgraded engine production supporting the planned delivery of Lot 18 aircraft.

Therefore, the committee directs the Department of Defense and Joint Program Office to establish an F135 Propulsion Growth Program that ensures propulsion growth requirements are aligned with and support weapons systems upgrade requirements. Finally, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense to include funding in the fiscal year 2022 budget request to support the F135 Propulsion Growth Program across the Future Years Defense Plan.

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