Book Description

The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program is responsible for producing the next generation of strike aircraft for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. The research team concluded that the individual services are fixated on individual service needs at the expense of warfighting capability and mission requirements for the 21st century battlefield. This study examines the JSF program, then proposes that the mission of future strike warfare can best be accomplished by the short takeoff, vertical landing (STOVL) strike fighter. This development study initially intended to provide the United States Marine Corps (US MC) with recommendations for a more capable strike platform. However, the research team subsequently decided that parochial interests and USMC desires should not dominate the research effort. This modified focus produced a more holistic approach that applies to all three services. The critical development criteria promoted by the JSF program office and the individual services are thoroughly examined.