Proposed Termination of Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) F136 Alternate Engine

Proposed Termination of Joint Strike Fighter
(JSF) F136 Alternate Engine
Updated June 2, 2008
Anthony Murch and Christopher Bolkcom
Specialists in National Defense
Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division



Proposed Termination of Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
F136 Alternate Engine
Summary
The Department of Defense’s (DOD) FY2009 budget proposes to cancel the
F136 alternate engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), a program that was
initiated by Congress in the FY1996 Defense Authorization Act, and which has
received consistent congressional support since its inception. DOD also proposed
terminating the F136 in both its FY2007 and FY2008 budgets; however, Congress
rejected both of these proposals.
In FY1996, defense authorization conferees (H.Rept. 104-450, Sec. 213)
expressed their concern over a lack of engine competition in the JSF program and
directed DOD to ensure that the program “provides for adequate engine
competition.” (p.706)1 In FY1998, authorization conferees (H.Rept. 105-340, Sec.
213) directed DOD to certify that “the Joint Strike Fighter Program contains
sufficient funding to carry out an alternate engine development program that includes
flight qualification of an alternate engine in a joint strike fighter airframe.” (p.33)
Since its inception in 1997, both DOD and Congress have funded $2.1 billion for the
Joint Strike Fighter alternate engine program. The alternate engine program is
expected to need an additional $1.3 billion through 2013 to complete the
development of the F136 engine.
Some have criticized DOD and the Air Force for being short-sighted with its
proposal to terminate the F136 alternate engine. Critics of the decision, not to
mention OSD and the Air Force itself during testimony before Congress, note that
it was driven more by immediate budget pressures on the department rather than long
term pros and cons of the F136 engine program. Others applaud this decision, and say
that single source engine production contracts have been the norm, not the exception.
Long-term engine affordability, they claim, is best achieved by procuring engines
through multiyear contracts from a single source.
Cancelling the F-136 engine poses questions on operational risk and potential
cost and savings. Additional issues include the potential impact this termination
might have on the U.S. defense industrial base, and on U.S. relations with key allied
countries. Finally, eliminating competitive market forces for DOD business worth
billions of dollars may concern those who wish to change DOD’s acquisition system
and achieve what they see as higher standards of accountability.
This report will be updated as events warrant.


1 At that time, the JSF program was The Joint Advanced Strike Technology Program (called
JAST).

Contents
In troduction ......................................................1
Background ......................................................2
Congressionally Mandated Studies....................................4
OSD Cost Analysis Improvement Group............................4
Institute for Defense Analyses....................................6
Government Accountability Office................................8
Similarities and Differences Between the Studies.....................8
Issues ...........................................................9
Relations with Key Allies.......................................9
Operational Risk .............................................12
Cost and Savings.............................................15
Industrial Base...............................................17
Acquisition Reform and Accountability...........................21
Appendix A. DOD F136 Cost Analysis................................23
Appendix B. F-35 Engine Components................................24
List of Figures
Figure 1. F-35 STOVL Variant Weight Growth Projection.................6
Figure 2. GE/P&W Large Engine Forecasted Unit Production..............18
Figure 3. GE/P&W Large Engine Forecasted Value (in $ Millions)..........20



Proposed Termination of Joint Strike Fighter
(JSF) F136 Alternate Engine
Introduction
The Department of Defense’s (DOD’s) FY2009 budget proposes for the third
year in a row to cancel the F136 alternate engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
(JSF). The F136 engine is built by the GE/Rolls Royce (GE/RR) Fighter Engine
Team and is an alternate engine to the Pratt & Whitney (P&W)-built F135. Pratt &
Whitney’s F135 engine is a derivative of its F119 engine developed for and used on
the F-22. GE/RR’s F136 is a derivative of its F120 engine initially developed to
compete with the F119. The alternate engine program was initiated by Congress in
the FY1996 Defense Authorization Act, and has received consistent congressional2
support since its inception. The reason usually cited for this proposed cancellation
is that it would save close to $2 billion over the Future Years Defense Plan (FYDP),
yet entail little operational risk.
Some DOD leaders, however, have expressed mixed feelings about the proposal
to cancel the F136 and note that near-term budget constraints are driving their
actions. On February 16, 2006, then Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld testified that the
merits of terminating the F136 were “clearly debatable.”3 On March 1, 2006, Air
Force Secretary Michael Wynne testified that he was worried about the “downstream
effects” of this decision.4 Again in 2008, both Secretary Wynne and General
Moseley, Air Force Chief of Staff, testified to their personal desire to keep the
alternate engine program “alive.”5 These statements may suggest that there is a lack
of consensus within DOD regarding the value of an alternate engine for the F-35.


2 More information about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter can be found in CRS Report
RL31360, Joint Strike Fighter (JSF): Potential National Security Questions Pertaining to
a Single Production Line and CRS Report RL30563, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
Program: Background, Status, and Issues.
3 Michael Bruno. “House defense appropriators push back on JSF engine.” Aerospace Daily
& Defense Report. February 17, 2006.
4 CONGRESSIONAL TRANSCRIPTS. Reuters. Congressional Hearings. March 1, 2006.
House Armed Services Committee Holds Hearing on FY2007 Budget: Air Force
5 CONGRESSIONAL TRANSCRIPTS. Reuters. Congressional Hearings. March 5, 2008.
Senate Armed Services Committee Holds Hearing on FY2009 Budget: Air Force

However in 2007, after overruling DOD’s second successive attempt to
terminate funding for the second engine, Congress stipulated in the 2008 National
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (P.L. 110-181, Sec 213))6:
The Secretary of Defense was to “ensure the obligation and expenditure in each
such fiscal year of sufficient annual amounts for the continued development and
procurement of two options for the propulsion system for the Joint Strike
Fighter.”
Congress has already taken exception to the third attempt by DOD to terminate
funding for the alternate engine program. During recent testimony, Representative
Neil Abercrombie expressed frustration with DOD for not following congressional7
direction in the 2008 NDAA to ensure sufficient funding for a second engine.
Representative Abercrombie concluded the hearing’s discussion on the alternate
engine by telling Mr. John Young, Undersecretary for Acquisition, Technology, and
Logistics, to “go back and add [the funding for the alternate engine] in.”8
As of today, both the House Armed Serviced Committee (HASC) and the
Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) have included funding for the alternate
engine program in their committee reports. The SASC recommended an increase of9
$430 million for the F136, while the HASC recommended $526 million. In
addition, the SASC recommended an additional $35 million for F135 engine
technology development.
Background
In FY1996, defense authorization conferees (H.Rept. 104-450, Sec. 213)
expressed their concern over a lack of engine competition in the JSF program and
directed DOD to ensure that the program “provides for adequate engine
competition.” (p.706)10 In FY1998, authorization conferees (H.Rept. 105-340, Sec.
213) directed DOD to certify that “the Joint Strike Fighter Program contains
sufficient funding to carry out an alternate engine development program that includes
flight qualification of an alternate engine in a joint strike fighter airframe.” (p.33)
Congress’s interest in establishing and funding an alternate engine to the JSF’s
primary engine — the Pratt & Whitney F135 — may have been informed by what has


6 See Conference Report to accompany H.R. 1585.
7 CONGRESSIONAL TRANSCRIPTS. Reuters. Congressional Hearings. March 11, 2008.
House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces and the Subcommittee on Sea
and Expeditionary Forces Holds Joint Hearing on the Department of the Navy and Air Force
Tactical Aviation Programs.
8 Ibid.
9 See Conference Report to accompany S. 3001 (p. 222) and Conference Report to
accompany HR. 5658 (p. 228).
10 At that time, the JSF program was The Joint Advanced Strike Technology Program (called
JAST).

become known as “The Great Engine War” that ran from 1984 to 1994. The Great
Engine War describes the competition between Pratt & Whitney (P&W) and General
Electric (GE) to produce engines (the F100 and F110 respectively) to power the Air
Force’s F-16 Falcon fighter aircraft.11 This competition was held annually between

1984 and 1994 to produce and maintain these engines for the Air Force. After 1994,


P&W and GE continued to compete for engine business among foreign air forces that
operated the F-16 and F-15. At the time, this acquisition strategy was unprecedented
and controversial. Many extolled the advantages of competition and the benefits it
conferred to DOD and the taxpayer. Others, however, believed that the engine
competition “unjustifiably jeopardized combat effectiveness and pilot
survivability.”12
The Great Engine War’s roots extend well before 1984. In the development of
the F100 engine for the F-15 in the 1970s, historians note Air Force frustrations with
Pratt & Whitney’s management along with concerns about a sole-source engine
powering their fighter fleet as the impetus for an alternate engine. While the F100
was the most advanced engine ever developed at that time, its rushed development
to meet F-15 initial fielding deadline prevented problems from being properly
addressed. In addition, one report notes that “[t]he F100 engine was so powerful and
the F-15 so maneuverable that pilots began pushing the aircraft to the edge of the
performance envelope in ways that stressed the engine far more than had been
anticipated.”13 Mounting frustrations over Pratt & Whitney’s reluctance to fully
address the F100’s shortcomings without additional funding resulted in the Air Force,
Navy, and Congress working in concert to fund work on an alternate engine.14 After
a number of contentious hearings in 1979, Congress provided funding through the
Engine Model Derivative Program (EMDP), a congressionally directed program of
the 1960s, for GE to develop its F101 alternate engine (to become the F110).
Ultimately, DOD spent over $376 million to develop the F110 to compete with the
F100, and $600 million to improve the F100’s durability and reliability to make it a
stronger competitor. Proponents believe that the annual competition during the Great
Engine War produced better engines, on better terms, for less money than would
purchasing from a single company facing no competition. Recently, contrary
opinions have emerged, and Pratt and Whitney notes that “[t]here is no evidence that
the F-16 engine competition saved money.”15 However, a preponderance of the
studies on the Great Engine War note that contractor responsiveness was the driving
force behind the competition, and not dollar savings.


11 While the competition was the result of the Air Force’s concerns with the reliability of the
F100 in the new single-engine F-16, GE’s F110 engine was also eventually used in the dual-
engine F-15.
12 Robert W. Drewes. The Air Force and the Great Engine War, National Defense
University Press, Washington DC, 1987.
13 Karl G. Amick. The Next Great Engine War: Analysis and Recommendations for
Managing the Joint Strike Fighter Engine Competition, Naval Postgraduate School,
Monterey, CA. 2005, p. 8.
14 Ibid, pp. 92-98.
15 “Joint Strike Fighter - Engine Development,” (JSF Talk-3) Talking Points. Pratt &
Whitney. February 23, 2006.

Some have criticized DOD as being “penny wise and pound foolish” in its
proposal to terminate the F136. Critics argue that this decision appears driven more
by immediate budget pressures on the department rather than long term pros and cons
of the F136 program. For example, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne
reportedly said that the idea of cancelling the F136 “came up during the QDR, in the
course of attempts to identify ways to save costs at the Pentagon.”16 Others applaud
this decision, and say that single source engine production contracts are the norm, not
the exception. Long-term engine affordability, they claim, is best achieved by
procuring engines through multiyear contracts from a single source.
Congressional response in 2006 and early 2007 to the F136 termination proposal
was both positive and negative. Those in favor of continued F136 development
prevailed, however. Both authorization and appropriations conferees included funds
in FY2007 for continued F136 development, strong language supporting the
program, and directed DOD and other agencies to conduct independent analyses of
potential F136 cost savings.17 By March 2007 OSD’s Cost Analysis Improvement
Group, the Government Accountability Office, and the Institute for Defense Analyses
had all completed their reports on the merits of the alternate engine program (results
summarized in the next section).
It appears that the Administration’s decision in FY2009 budget to terminate
F136 is again influenced more by near-term budgetary pressures than by the
potential gains in the future. The alternate engine program appears to be affected in
budget considerations by the fact that its benefits won’t be realized for a decade,
while its costs are noteworthy, and immediate.
Congressionally Mandated Studies
The 2007 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 109-364; 120 Stat 2117
[Sec. 211]) directed OSD and the Comptroller General to conduct three independent
cost-benefit analyses on having an alternate engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
Section 211 also directed OSD to continue funding the development and procurement
of an alternate engine until the three directed reports were submitted and the
congressional defense committees notified of any programmatic change. Each of
these reports was conducted independently using the same data provided by the
contractors and by the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office.
OSD Cost Analysis Improvement Group
OSD Cost Analysis Improvement Group (CAIG) concluded its analysis in
March 2007.18 The CAIG compared the results of the engines developed during the


16 Richard Mullen. “Cutting JSF Engine Was Navy Idea: Wynne.” Defense Today Instant
Update. March 2, 2006.
17 See, H.R. 5631 (109-676), p. 228. H.R. 5122 (109-702) Sec. 211 (p.36).
18 The Cost Analysis Improvement Group (CAIG) is under the administrative control of
(continued...)

“Great Engine Wars,” the engine competition for the F/A-18 aircraft,19 and the sole-
source Pratt and Whitney F-119 engine for the F-22. Given their analysis of past cost
performance stemming from competition, the CAIG report noted their baseline
“assumptions [were] generally favorable to dual source case.”20 The CAIG assumed
that the follower, in this case the GE-Rolls Royce Fighter Engine Team (F136),
would meet leader (Pratt & Whitney F135) pricing in 2014 (first year of
competition). The CAIG also assumed that there would be both an immediate 5%
price decrease and a 5% increase in the rate for cost improvement (what the CAIG
calls “learning curve rotation”21) over the lifetime of the program.
Overall, the CAIG estimated that the competition would require a 21.1%
reduction in costs (in constant FY2002 dollars) over the lifetime of the program in
order to break even. The break-even cost reduction requirement climbs to 25.6%
when converted to net present value.22 The CAIG estimated that DOD would be
unable to recoup its initial investment in the alternate engine development program
through procurement savings alone. The CAIG report noted DOD would have to
effectively compete Operations and Support (i.e., maintenance) contracts and attain
a 25.6% savings, which the report seems skeptical of attaining, in order to eventually
reach a “break even” point by 2040.23
While the CAIG report highlights from a financial standpoint that the alternate
engine program might eventually break even over time, the CAIG goes on to note a
number of non-monetary benefits that could be gained through having an alternate
engine program for the F-35. One of the most notable appears to be the issue of
growth potential in the Joint Strike Fighter engine. As shown in the figure below, the


18 (...continued)
OSD’s Director of Program Analysis and Evaluation and is tasked with providing
independent cost assessments of major defense acquisition programs. The CAIG also serves
as the principle advisor to the Milestone Decision Authority on program life-cycle costs. See
DoDD 5000.04 for additional information on the CAIG and its independent analysis role.
19 Unlike the F100/F110 competition, the competition for the F/A-18 (the F404 engine)
differs from the Great Engine War in that both GE and P&W competed only in cost since
they were both building identical GE-designed F404 engines. Analysts note that the F404
competition removed a key component, engine design, since both companies built their
engines to the same blueprints. Therefore, analysts note that the F404 competition did not
achieve the same results as the previous F100/F110 competition for independently-designed
engines.
20 OSD Cost Analysis Improvement Group Report (v6), “F-35/JSF Alternate Engine
Acquisition and Independent Cost Analyses,” March 15, 2007, Slide 31.
21 In discussion with the CAIG, learning curve rotation was defined as the effect competition
has on the learning curve. In this case, competition would result in both competitors
streamlining their processes in order to compete more effectively (maximize efficiency),
hence lower cost to the Air Force.
22 Net present value is the discounted present value of the return on investment when taking
risk and other potential investment opportunities into consideration. It is considered the
standard method for financial appraisal of long-term projects.
23 OSD CAIG Report, Slide 37.

CAIG estimates that the average aircraft weight growth of a 4th/5th generation fighter
from Critical Design Review to Initial Operational Capability is 7.2% with a 0.3%
weight growth thereafter.24 Basically, the initial planned empty weight of an aircraft
could grow, over time, beyond the thrust margins of safety provided by the engine.
Eventually, the engine would have to be upgraded for additional thrust to overcome
the additional aircraft weight. The CAIG report notes that Pratt & Whitney’s F135
engine is already close to exceeding the designed engine temperature specifications.
Therefore, the F135 engine would require additional modifications beyond that of the
GE-Rolls Royce F136 engine to allow for thrust growth.25
Figure 1. F-35 STOVL Variant Weight Growth Projection


Source: OSD CAIG F-35/JSF Alternate Engine Acquisition and Independent Cost Analyses Report,
March 15, 2007.
Institute for Defense Analyses
The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) was selected by OSD as the Federally
Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) to perform the independent cost
24 The CAIG’s analysis of expected future weight growth is not in line with the Joint
Program Office’s estimate that weight will unchanged after Initial Operational Capability
(IOC). The CAIG slide shows historical data showing expected weight growth of 2.8% tothth
11.5% following IOC from other 4 and 5 generation fighter aircraft. Additionally, the
CAIG’s estimated pre-IOC weight growth of 6% is in stark contrast to the JPO’s estimate
of 3%.
25 Ibid. Slides 25 and 26. Note: Since the F136 is earlier in its development cycle, analysts
comment that its design is not as set as the F135 and could better incorporate engine growth
requirements without major modifications.

analysis of the F136 engine program. IDA provided its cost analysis in March 2007
and completed its final report in July 2007. IDA, as with the CAIG analysis,
examined the Great Engine Wars of the 1980s along with the F404 engine
competition for the F/A-18. Its analysis showed an estimated gross savings due to
competition ranging from 11% to 18%.26 When examining past studies of various
procurement competitions, IDA determined that these studies showed an average (un-
weighted) savings of 14.6%.27
Examining the break-even point for the case of the F136, IDA determined the
overall increase in cost of having an alternate engine program (both direct and
indirect costs) to be $8.8 billion (FY2006 dollars).28 As was the case with the
CAIG’s findings, IDA concluded that it would not be feasible to recoup DOD’s
investment in an alternate engine if procurement costs alone were competed. IDA
determined for the alternate engine program to break even, on a net present value
basis, the savings required would fall from an “unrealistic” 40% to 18% (net present
value) when Operations and Support (O&S) contracts are also competed.29 This is
somewhat in line with the CAIG and shows a potential for DOD to recoup its
investment throughout the life of the alternate engine program. However, IDA noted
that DOD “has not typically linked procurement and O&S costs in a single
competition,” and therefore had limited historical data in which to estimate plausible
O&S savings (raising doubts as to how successful this will be in the future).30
IDA, like the CAIG, also noted a number of other benefits stemming from
competition. Improved fleet readiness, reduced risk, and industrial base sustainment
are common benefits cited by both reports. However, IDA notes that contractor
responsiveness was “the primary motivation for the Great Engine War.”31 IDA goes
on to note that by 2035 that the F-35 would comprise 95% of the U.S.’s fighter attack
force. Thus, with an alternate engine program, any future groundings will only affect
a portion of the fleet. In addition, enhanced industry responsiveness to engine
upgrades and fixes resulting from competitive forces could potentially have a
profound effect on overall fleet readiness.


26 Institute for Defense Analyses Report: “Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Engine Cost Analysis:
Summary of Results (Revised),” March 2007, Pg S-3. NOTE: IDA determined a 11%
savings from competition over the upgraded F100-220 P&W engine and an 18% savings
from competition between the original P&W F100 and the GE F110 (Pg 23).
27 Ibid. Pg 24. However, IDA noted “significant inconsistencies” with studies of past
competitions which need to be taken into consideration when evaluating potential savings.
28 Ibid., p. 20.
29 Ibid., p. S-3.
30 Ibid., p. S-3.
31 Ibid., p. 44.

Government Accountability Office
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) report noted that savings of

10.3% to 12.3% would be required for the alternate engine program to break even.32


GAO goes on to note that analysis of past engine competitions have shown financial
savings of up to 20%.33 Therefore, GAO concludes that it is reasonable to assume
that savings generated from competing the engine would recoup DOD’s investment.
In addition, during testimony, Michael Sullivan, Director of GAO’s Acquisition and
Sourcing Management, noted that he believed the alternate engine program would
reach its break-even point by the late 2020s.34
Similarities and Differences Between the Studies
What appears to be the key difference between the three studies is the break-
even point analysis for the alternate engine program. The GAO noted in its report a
maximum savings requirement of 12.3% in order to recoup DOD’s “future”
investments in the late 2020s. OSD’s CAIG and IDA require savings of 25.6% and

18% respectfully, in net present value, to break even in the 2040 time frame.


Michael Sullivan, from GAO, testified that he speculated the other two studies may35
have included a portion of costs sunk into the alternate engine program. However,
in response, James Woolsey, from IDA, noted that IDA did not include sunk costs,
and also commented that he thought the major difference between GAO and the other
studies had to do with costs associated with operations and support (O&S).36 He
contended that IDA included sustainment engineering costs, costs to improve the
engine, and additional costs tied to two supply chains that might not have been
included in the GAO’s analysis.
GAO analysts, however, noted that under a competitive environment, the need
for an F-35 engine Component Improvement Program (CIP) would be reduced, and37
therefore potential funding required for CIP was not included in their analysis.
Engine CIP funding is normally designed to be “reactive and proactive throughout
an engine’s life cycle to resolve newly identified problems, and to find ways to
reduce costs of aircraft and engine ownership.”38 Basically, CIP is designed to fund


32 Analysis of Costs for the Joint Strike Fighter Engine Program, GAO-07-656T, March 22,

2007, p. 1.


33 Ibid., p. 2.
34 CONGRESSIONAL TRANSCRIPTS. Reuters. Congressional Hearings. March 2, 2007.
House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces and the Subcommittee on
Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Holds Joint Hearing on the Department of Defense
Aircraft Programs.
35 Ibid.
36 Ibid.
37 Telephonic conversation with Bruce Fairbairn, GAO Assistant Director Acquisition and
Sourcing Management, April 23, 2008.
38 Chris J. Borer. An Analysis Of The Aircraft Engine Component Improvement Program
(continued...)

problem solving and problem avoidance along with product improvement and
maturation.39 However, CIP is not designed to fund engine performance
improvements beyond the initial design, only to reduce life cycle costs of operating
the engine. It was GAO’s opinion that competition would result in industry funding
its own product improvements in order to win greater market share. Therefore, the
need for CIP funding would be reduced from what is normally budgeted for
sustainment engineering. IDA, in its report, fully examined the requirement for CIP
and noted there was still a requirement for CIP with the F100 and F110 engine, both
engines that were part of the Great Engine War.40
While all three independent reports came to different conclusions as to the
break-even point, they all agreed there are a number of non-financial benefits that
would be derived from an engine competition. Each of the studies notes expected
improvements in fleet readiness, contractor responsiveness, sustainment of industrial
base, and stronger international relations by having the alternate engine for the F-35.
The GAO report notes that DOD’s program management advisory group in 1998, and
again in 2002, recommended continuing the alternate engine program due to these
non-financial benefits in spite of only finding marginal financial benefits.
Issues
As DOD has noted, cancelling the F136 poses questions on operational risk and
potential cost and savings. Additional issues include the potential impact this
termination could have on the U.S. defense industrial base, and on U.S. relations with
key allied countries. Finally, eliminating competitive market forces for DOD
business worth billions of dollars may concern those who wish to change DOD’s
acquisition system to achieve what they see as higher standards of accountability.
Relations with Key Allies
The F-35, unlike the F-22, has been designed from the outset for export. Allied
participation in JSF program development, and sales stemming from program
participation, have been actively pursued as a way to defray some of the cost of
developing and producing the aircraft. Congress insisted from the outset that the
JAST program include ongoing efforts by the Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA) to develop more advanced short takeoff and vertical landing
(STOVL) aircraft, opening the way for British participation.
Eight countries — Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway,
Turkey, United Kingdom — have pledged about $4.5 billion to join in JSF
development as partners for the initial System Development and Demonstration


38 (...continued)
(CIP): A Life cycle Cost Approach, Naval Postgraduate School. December 1990. Pg. 5.
39 Ibid.
40 Telephonic conversation with Mr. James Woolsey, IDA’s project leader for their analysis
on the F136 alternate engine report, April 25, 2008.

(SDD) phase. In addition, all eight partner nations have signed the subsequent
Production, Sustainment, and Follow-on Development (PSFD) Memorandum of
Understanding stating their intentions to actually purchase the aircraft. Israel and
Singapore have both signed letters of intent to become Security Cooperation
Participation (SCP) nations in the JSF program and to contribute $50 million. Spain,
Greece, Japan, and South Korea have also been expressing interest in purchasing the
F-35, though none of those nations are current participants in the program. Jon
Schreiber, Joint Strike Fighter Director of International Programs, recently noted that
international sales of F-35s could exceed 2,600.41 The Teal Group estimates the
export market for the F-35 to be between 1,700 and 2,500 aircraft.42
The United Kingdom is the biggest participant and the only Level 1 partner
nation in the program.43 On December 20, 1995, the U.S. and British governments
signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on British participation in the JSF
program as a collaborative partner in the definition of requirements and aircraft
design. This MOU committed the British government to contribute $200 million
towards the cost of the 1997-2001 concept demonstration phase.44 In addition, on
January 17, 2001, the United Kingdom signed an MOU with the United States
committing the British government to spend $2 billion on JSF SDD. British firms,
such as Rolls-Royce and BAE, have benefitted from the US/UK partnership in JSF.
BAE is a major partner to Lockheed Martin and is providing the aft fuselage,
empennage, and Electronic Warfare Suite for the F-35. Also, not only is Rolls-Royce
partnered with GE on the F136 engine, Rolls-Royce is under contract with Pratt &
Whitney to produce the LiftSystem components of the F135 STOVL Propulsion
System. The 2001 contract with Pratt & Whitney to cover the design and
development work of the STOVL elements during SDD is worth $1 billion to Rolls-
Royce over 10 years.45 Regardless of which engine is placed in the F-35, Rolls-
Royce LiftSystem will provide the vertical lift of all STOVL aircraft.
Friction has existed between DOD and many foreign partners in the JSF
program. Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, and Turkey have expressed
dissatisfaction with the quality and quantity of the work their companies have been
awarded on the F-35.46 These countries have threatened to reduce their participation


41 Carlos Munoz. “JSF Program Leaders Expect Surge in International Participation,” Inside
The Navy, August 27, 2007. Note: Mr. Schreiber noted that overall F-35 production could
exceed 5,000. Noting the expected US procurement of around 2,400 aircraft, the remaining

2,600 would be international sales.


42 Richard Aboulafia. Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program Briefing, The Teal
Group, March 2008.
43 Level 1 Partner status requires approximately 10% contribution to aircraft development
and allows for fully integrated office staff and a national deputy at director level. Only one
Level 1 partner nation allowed. See [http://www.teamjsf.com] for more information.
44 U.S., U.K. Sign JAST Agreement. Aerospace Daily, December 21, 1995: 451.
45 “Rolls-Royce Finishes First JSF Propulsion System Flight Hardware,” Rolls-Royce Media
Room at [http://www.rolls-royce.com/media/showPR.jsp?PR_ID=40243].
46 “Norway Signs Industrial Partnership with Eurofighter Consortium,” Defense Daily,
(continued...)

in the program, or purchase other European fighters instead of the F-35. The
governments of Italy and the United Kingdom have both lobbied for F-35 assembly
facilities to be established in their countries. Current international content in the
initial F-35 aircraft is approximately 20%.47 Lockheed Martin expects international
content to potentially expand to about 30% as the program transitions to full-rate
production and the supply base potentially diversifies.48
Technology transfer has also been a contentious issue, with foreign partners
arguing that the United States is too cautious in sharing the JSF’s technical
capabilities. Congress, in the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2007, sensing United Kingdom frustrations with technology-sharing,
advised the Secretary of Defense to share technology consistent with the national
security interests of both nations.49 Program officials note that they are working with
partner nations to improve their ability to effectively compete for JSF work and are
working with DOD expedite technology-transfer issues.50
Canceling the F136 would likely mean a considerable loss of revenue for GE’s
UK-based partner, Rolls Royce. Although Rolls Royce has established business
relations with Pratt & Whitney, this business appears to be far short of the 40%
partnership Rolls enjoys with GE. In addition, Rolls Royce will be opening up a new
plant in Virginia in 2009 that is anticipated to make parts for the F136 engine.51
It is unclear how, or to what extent, terminating the F136 would harm the JSF
program’s international participation. Early allied response has not been positive.
The United Kingdom’s top defense procurement official reportedly stated that his
country would cease participation in the JSF program if the F136 engine were
cancelled and technology transfer issues were not resolved to its satisfaction.52 In
addition, Dr. Liam Fox, a Conservative member of the House of Commons, stated
back in 2006 that the Pentagon’s decision to drop the F136 would also “invariably
effect future procurement decisions, with seriously negative consequences that may


46 (...continued)
January 29, 2003. Joris Janssen Lok, “Frustration Mounts Among JSF Partners,” Jane’s
Defense Weekly. March 24, 2004. Thomas Dodd, “Danish Companies Consider Quitting
JSF Programme,” Jane’s Defence Weekly, January 9, 2004. Tom Kingston, “Unsatisfied
Italy May Cut JSF Participation,” Defense News, May 10,2004. Lale Sariibrahimoglu,
“Turkey may withdraw from JSF program,” Jane’s Defence Weekly, November 10, 2004.
47 “F-35 International Program Content,” JSF Joint Program Office paper, March 4, 2008.
48 Ibid.
49 P.L 109-364; 102 Stat 2134; October 17, 2006.
50 Eric Tegler, “International Instrument: Building the F-35 In Partnership,” F-35 Lightning
II Commemorating First Flight, p. 81.
51 John R. Blackwell, “New Plant To Add 170 Jobs,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, November

21, 2007.


52 Megan Scully. “British Demand Better Access To Fighter.” NATIONAL JOURNAL’S
CONGRESS DAILY AM. March 15, 2006. George Cahlink. “U.K. Procurement Chief
Warns Backup Engine Dispute Threatens JSF Deal.” Defense Daily March 15, 2006.

not be fully appreciated on this side of the Atlantic.”53 Dr. Fox goes on to say that
“without doubt, cancellation of the program would play into the hands of those in
Europe who are even now all too willing to suggest the U.S. cannot be relied on and
that Britain should look instead to France and European institutions on defense.”54
However, other European countries, such as the Netherlands, have firms making
inroads into both the F135 and F136 programs. The Dutch currently have 74
companies and research labs involved in the JSF program.55 As European companies
secure more and more contracts, the debate within each of the partner nations over
the need for the second engine might become more complicated.
Operational Risk
DOD officials argue that terminating the F136 poses little operational risk. The
decision to pursue an alternate engine for F-14s, F-15s, and F-16s, they say, came at
a time when the Services were dissatisfied with the performance of existing engines
(TF30 and F100). During the “Great Engine War,” DOD was more motivated to
improve engine performance, reliability, and to reduce operational risk than by
potential cost savings. DOD argues that these same conditions do not exist today.
In a briefing provided to Congress in 2006, the DOD Office of Program
Analysis and Evaluation (PA&E) stated the F135 engine produced by Pratt &
Whitney (P&W) for the F-35 was performing well.56 Further, PA&E stated that the
F119 engine that P&W produced for the F-22A Raptor, which served as the basis of
the F135, is also performing well. PA&E notes that the F119 has performed well
after roughly 18,000 flight hours and will achieve 100,000 flight hours by 2009. This
briefing also notes that the F-22 Raptor and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet rely on a
sole source engine supplier (the P&W F119 and GE F414 respectively), implying that
the F-35 can likewise rely on a single engine manufacturer. However, by the time the
decision was made to divide engine production contracts between GE and P&W in
1984, the P&W F100 engine had accumulated 2,000,000 hours of operational
service. By comparison, the 18,000 hours of testing might be considered a modest
foundation to make projections of the F119’s future performance.
DOD also argues that industry advances in engine design tools such as
computational fluid design for airflow prediction, and advanced software for
prognostic health monitoring, further reduce the risk of powering the F-35 with a
single type of engine.57 Presumably, using these tools will result in engines that are
capable of self-diagnosis and notification to the pilot of impending failure vice


53 Rodney L. Pringle, “JSF Engine Rumblings,” Military Aerospace Technology, October

8, 2006.


54 Ibid.
55 Joris Janssen Lok. “Double Dutch; Pratt, Rolls Involve More Dutch Partners in F135,
F136 Programs,” Aviation Week & Speace Technology, February 11, 2008.
56 “JSF Alternate Engine Decision” Briefing. OSD/PA&E. February 27, 2006.
57 Ibid.

simple notification that a failure has occurred. Advanced warning of impending
failures will not only allow the pilot time to land prior to failure, it will allow more
efficient and cost-effective maintenance procedures and quicker diagnosis of required
repair parts.
Others who support DOD’s decision to terminate the F136 argue that an
alternate engine will not help mitigate risk. One defense analyst postulates that the
alternate engine could actually increase operational risk. This analyst notes that
engines undergoing maturation first in a twin-engine aircraft (such as the F-15, F-22,
or the F/A-18) prior to use in a single-engine aircraft allow more time for detecting
and fixing engine deficiencies.58 Another analyst, however, notes that the F135 is
quite different than the F119 it was derived from.59 Therefore, while being a
derivative of an engine first introduced on the twin engine F-22, it is still expected
to undergo developmental growing pains with the F-35. In the same vein, the F136
is three to four years behind the F135 in its development and should undergo its own
set of developmental growing pains and potential for cost growth.
Recent events with the F135 engine development have increased attention to the
issue of risk. Once on August 30, 2007, and again on February 4, 2008, the F135
engine experienced testing failures while on the test stand. The JSF Joint Program
Office noted the engine failures in both cases were due to “high-cycle fatigue”
resulting in the failure of a third-stage turbine blade.60 William Balderson, from the
Department of the Navy, noted during congressional testimony that the second engine
failure was as a result of ongoing testing to determine the causes of the first failure
on August 30.61 Mr. Balderson goes on to note that Pratt & Whitney appears
confident that it understands the root causes of the malfunctions and that a design fix
is in the works and will be implemented once testing is complete.62 Program and
Service officials note that these engine malfunctions have pushed back the expected
first flight of the F-35B aircraft a month or two.
Those supporting an alternate engine point to the potential risk of a future fleet-
wide grounding and note that the F-35 will make up a preponderance of the Air
Force’s fighter fleet. Currently, the Air Force has 183 F-22s with a potential for
maybe an additional 24 aircraft. The Air Force is also currently expected to procure

1,763 F-35s over the next 20 plus years. A future fleet-wide grounding of the F-35s,


they maintain, would potentially have a debilitating effect on the Air Force. A
similar issue, though unrelated to the aircraft engines, was recently experienced when
the Air Force twice grounded its fleet of F-15s because of structural problems. The


58 Loren Thompson. “Powering JSF — One Engine Is Enough.” Lexington Institute, January

2008, p. 10.


59 Telephonic conversation with Richard Aboulafia, Teal Group, on April 22, 2008.
60 Jason Simpson. “Davis: JSF Program Office Anticipated Early-Stage Engine Problems.”
Inside the Air Force, February 15, 2008.
61 CONGRESSIONAL TRANSCRIPTS. Reuters. Congressional Hearings. April 9, 2008.
Senate Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Airland, hearing on Fiscal Year

2009 Budget for Air Force and Navy Aviation programs..


62 Ibid.

Air Force, however, was able to continue combat operations by leaning on its
sizeable fleet of F-16s to take up the slack. The Navy’s operational risk should be
reduced because its fleet will be more balanced with F/A-18s using the GE-404 (or
414 on the E/F) engines along with their F-35s. While fleet-wide groundings for
engine-related malfunctions are rare, they do happen. The Marine Corps, for
example, grounded 106 AV-8B Harriers in July 2000 after a faulty engine bearing
was cited as the cause of a crash.63 Since 1997, 66% of the Navy’s grounding
bulletins were for airframe related issues, whereas 18% were related to engine
issues.64 The Air Force has experienced only two system-wide fleet stand-downs due
to engine issues since 1990.65 Some have responded that the Air Force could find
itself in the same grounding predicament with the F-35, based on non-engine issues,
regardless of whether there is an alternate engine, because of reduced diversity of its
future fighter fleet.
One issue that pertains to operational risk that has not been discussed by DOD
is that of reduced fleet readiness due to, for example, a lack of spare parts. Two
manufacturers would maintain two supply chains, and perhaps additional suppliers
for critical parts. Eliminating one manufacturer could lead to fewer suppliers and
potentially leave the remaining supply chain more vulnerable to disruptions caused
by labor disagreements, foreign takeovers, or natural disasters. On the other hand,
splitting the engine buy will reduce the workload for the supply vendors and increase
the level of uncertainty as to the amount of business they will receive. In addition,
one defense consulting firm notes that approximately 50% of each engine is procured
in a competition environment today, leading one to conclude there are multiple
vendors available that could create parts for each of the engines.66
During a March 1, 2006, hearing, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne
discussed the potential cost and risk of having one engine supplier versus two.
Secretary Wynne said that the decision to terminate the F136 was “a very tough call
because it involves industrial base and involves long-term reliability statistics and
involves economics.” In the context of reliability and risk, Secretary Wynne
continued with the statement that “I don’t like to see our industrial base go to a single
supplier.”67


63 Mark Oliva, “Pilots defend Harrier jet.” Stars and Stripes. (Pacific Edition). January 19,

2003.


64 “JSF Engine Second Source Executive Summary,” Whitney, Bradley, and Brown
Consulting; December 2006. Slide 23.
65 Ibid.
66 Ibid. Slide 22. Note: See [http://www.wbbinc.com] on Whitney, Bradley, and Brown, their
corporate profile and their clients.
67 CONGRESSIONAL TRANSCRIPTS. Reuters. Congressional Hearings. March 1, 2006.
House Armed Services Committee Holds Hearing on FY2007 Budget: Air Force

Cost and Savings68
Over the past three years, DOD has mainly explained its decision to terminate
the F136 on its financial return on its investment. Congressional testimony by
OSD/AT&L, the Air Force, and the Navy all note that the business case does not
sufficiently support the large, up-front investment in an alternate engine for the F-35.
As was previously noted by the three congressionally directed studies and associated
testimony back in 2007, while there are a number of non-financial benefits to having
an alternate engine, the ability for DOD to recoup its financial investment is a matter
of great debate.
It is not surprising that there is a lot of debate on the merits of the F136,
especially given the complexity of the issue and the amount of resources required to
fund a second engine. There is inevitably a lot of subjectivity when analyzing
business cases. In the case of the F136, one will need to assess how likely it is for
the program to achieve the estimated savings, the likely number of engines that will
be acquired, the potential for the fleet to suffer a debilitating issue related to the
engine, how much better the engine designs will improve, and how much more
responsive the manufacturers will be under a competitive environment. Not only will
one have to assess the ability to achieve financial and non-financial improvements,
but one will have to assess the qualitative worth of such savings when compared to
the opportunity costs of the investment. Both within DOD and outside, analysts note
that the F136 program requires a large up-front investment for benefits that won’t be
realized for decades. These factors arise in an environment where DOD is facing
tough financial choices while on a war-footing and the potential for budget
reductions as administrations change.
Two of the key variables in analyzing the business case for the F136 is the
development cost of the alternate engine and the number of engines that those costs
will be amortized over. Beginning with expected procurement numbers, DOD is
currently planning on buying 2,443 F-35s (excluding test articles). The Air Force
current engine production profile for the F-35 is for a total of 3,649 engines (3,173
primary engines and 476 spares).69 This current engine production profile is about
100 engines more than the three congressionally directed studies used for their
analysis back in 2007. However, the overall planned DOD procurement of 2,443
operational F-35s is over 500 aircraft less than the 1996 preliminary planning
estimate of 2,978 aircraft. It should be emphasized that DOD’s planned buy of 2,443
aircraft has remained steady since 2003 when the Department of the Navy, under the
Tactical Aircraft Integration Plan, reduced its buy from 1,083 to 680 aircraft.70


68 To date, approximately $2 billion has been provided to develop the F136 engine. The
cost to complete the F136 development phase is estimated at $1.36 billion from FY2009 to
FY2013. Source: Provided to CRS by SAF/LLW on April 30, 2008.
69 SAF/LLW correspondence; April 30, 2008.
70 The Department of the Navy’s buy includes both the Navy’s F-35Cs and Marine Corps
F-35B’s. The Marine Corps have set their requirement for F-35Bs at 420, which would
leave 260 F-35Cs for the Navy if the Department of the Navy limits the buy to 680 and fully
supports the Marine Corps requirements.

While DOD’s procurement numbers have remained steady over the past five
years, international orders, as previously mentioned, are expected to exceed the
minimum anticipated orders of 646 aircraft and could reach over 2,500 aircraft.71 In
addition, the F-35 is designed to take the place of the F-16, an aircraft with an initial
planned run of 1,388 aircraft that eventually exceeded 4,000 built.72 DOD has been
focused on keeping the F-35 program on track and procurement numbers sufficient
to prevent undo cost growth. Deputy Secretary of Defense England, in a letter to
Congress, noted the Department’s desires to procure more F-35s than additional F-
22s.73 Given the disparity between the AF requirement for 381 F-22s and the current
program of record of 183 aircraft, there appears to be strong potential for the Air
Force requirement of F-35s to grow beyond 1,763 aircraft. If the F-35 program goes
beyond current procurement expectations (both for domestic and international
orders), the business case for keeping the F136 program alive might be significantly
strengthened.
However, current Service and Allies budget pressures along with aircraft cost
and development issues may drive lower procurement numbers. One defense analyst
notes the Air Force’s procurement numbers “are likely to fall to around 1,200-1,400
[aircraft].”74 Another analytical assessment notes the Air Force’s strategy to replace
legacy aircraft on a one-for-one basis is excessive, and that one might contemplate
800-1000 F-35As as being sufficient.75 The Department of the Navy, on the other
hand, is facing a tactical aircraft shortfall of around 125 aircraft in 2017. While the
Marine Corps appears focused on acquiring the STOVL variant for its modernization
efforts, the Navy could potentially acquire additional F/A-18E/Fs to help reduce its
fighter shortfall. With the Navy being the only customer for the F-35C, reductions
in their numbers could put the viability of the C-variant into question. In addition,
there could be fallout over the KC-X competition in which Northrop
Grumman/EADS KC-30 tanker won over Boeing’s KC-767. Potential fallout could
affect the F-35’s international orders if the competition results are overturned and
European nations backlash against the pricy U.S. fighter. Finally, any program
setbacks that result in excessive cost growth beyond what has already been
encountered to date could have a profound effect on aircraft orders on both sides of
the Atlantic. Therefore, there is a potential that DOD’s business case planning
factors for the F136 alternate engine might not reach the levels assumed in the
current studies — and therefore become a very expensive “nice to have.”


71 While procurement numbers have remained steady, the length of the acquisition program
has been extended due to issues with aircraft weight growth resulting in program delays.
72 Institute for Defense Analyses Report: “Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Engine Cost Analysis:
Final Report,” July 2007, p. 7.
73 Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England letter to Representative Phillip Gingrey in
response to Rep. Gingrey’s concerns over the F-22; January 14, 2008.
74 Richard Aboulafia. Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program Briefing, The Teal
Group, March 2008.
75 Steve Kosiak and Barry Watts, US Fighter Modernization Plans: Near-Term Choices,
Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, 2007.

The other key variable to the business case analysis, the remaining
developmental costs of the F136 engine, is estimated to be $1.36 billion from
FY2009 to FY2013.76 In addition, total F136 costs from FY2009 to FY2015 is
estimated to be $3.5 billion ($1.36 billion for development, $0.29 billion for
Component Improvement Program efforts, $1.71 billion for procurement, and $0.14
billion for initial spares).77 Noteworthy is the fact that, from FY1995 to FY2008,
approximately $2 billion has been provided by DOD to develop the F136 engine —
therefore over half of the total development cost of the F136 are sunk costs. While
currently not in the DOD budget, $495 million will be required in FY2009 to
continue developmental efforts on the F136.78
The $290 million required for Component Improvement Program (CIP) efforts
might be debatable by some. As previously stated, GAO did not incorporate CIP in
its 2007 analysis because of its position that competition would reduce its need.79
The GAO analysts felt that competition would drive the manufacturers to make the
improvements in their engines on their own to help them attain a larger share of the
engine contracts. IDA, however, did include CIP after its analysis of the results of
the Great Engine War. IDA notes that while CIP funding did not exceed 4% of the
estimated life cycle costs in any of their analysis, it is still a cost “that must be
approximately doubled to ensure two equally supported engine designs.”80
Procurement and spares costs will be required, whether there is a single or dual
supplier of engines. While the numbers could result in a greater number of spare
engines required under a dual supply environment, the overall number should remain
close. However, there will be additional costs in maintaining two separate
production and supply lines along with the additional management required by the
services.
Industrial Base
As noted earlier, DOD officials have expressed concern over the potential
impact of this proposed termination on the industrial base. Further, DOD analyses
acknowledge that the F136 alternate engine provides “significant” industrial base
benefits.81 Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the decision to terminate the
F136 may have negative consequences on the industrial base. The debate focuses on
how significant these negative consequences may be.


76 SAF/LLW correspondence; April 30, 2008.
77 Ibid.
78 Ibid.
79 Telephonic conversation with Bruce Fairbairn, GAO Assistant Director Acquisition and
Sourcing Management, April 23, 2008. Note: While GAO did not include CIP in its
analysis, the analyst did not say that the requirement would be completely eliminated, just
reduced.
80 Institute for Defense Analyses Report: “Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Engine Cost Analysis:
Final Report,” July 2007, p. 87.
81 “JSF Alternate Engine Decision” Briefing. OSD/PA&E. February 27, 2006.

The industrial base issues discussed and debated in hearings and other public
fora have focused on whether a single supplier of fighter aircraft engine will result
in costlier engines over time and whether reliable access to engines and spare parts
might be jeopardized. The root of this question is what effect canceling the F136
engine will have on GE’s ability to continue to compete in the high performance
fighter aircraft engine business. Currently, the only U.S. manufacturers of fighter
aircraft engines are P&W and GE.82
GE is a dominant player in the large, commercial aircraft engine market. By
most estimates, GE has captured approximately 50% of this market (Figure 2 shows83
GE’s large engine position in relation to P&W’s). GE’s current business in
building and supporting high-thrust, high-performance, fighter aircraft engines is
more modest. Currently, GE builds and maintains engines (F400 series) for the
Navy’s 462 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. It is expected to also build engines for the
Navy’s 90 EA-18G Growlers. GE supports the F110 series of engines for domestic
and international clients. Finally, GE may be competitive in engine competitions for
large unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Figure 2. GE/P&W Large Engine Forecasted Unit Production


1, 80 0
1, 60 0
Open 737/A320-X
1, 40 0
1, 20 0
1,000GE Commercial
80 0
60 0
400GE Military
200P&W CommercialOpen JSF
0P&W Military
2 008 2 009 20 10 20 11 20 12 20 13 20 14 20 15 20 16 20 17
Source: The Teal Group, May 9, 2008.
It appears that if the F136 were cancelled, GE’s fighter aircraft design and
manufacturing capabilities would not disappear immediately. The business outlined
82 However, as previously noted, Rolls Royce will be opening up a new plant in Virginia in

2009 that, in part, is planned to support their work in the F136.


83 A majority of GE’s commercial sales come from the CFM56 engine. Since GE has a 50%
share of the CFM56 with France’s Snecma, the Teal Group reduced GE’s commercial
CFM56 numbers by half. This methodology was used with other joint engine ventures. The
future engine for the 737 and A320-X is still undecided between GE, P&W and Rolls
Royce. However, the Teal Group accounted for the KC-45 competition by awarding its
engines to GE.

above is likely sufficient to maintain GE’s design teams, engineers, and assembly line
workers, and much technology and expertise can be extracted from the commercial
business lines. GE’s own experience during the Great Engine War shows that a
company on the periphery of a business area can “catch up,” and beat an incumbent
in head-to-head competition, even if that incumbent had been producing a particular
type of engines for a decade.
Each of the three congressionally mandated studies commented on the effects
to the industrial base. The CAIG and IDA both noted GE’s dominance in the
commercial engine market. The CAIG study noted that GE produced 1,000
commercial engines in 2007, compared to 220 commercial engines for P&W.84
Additionally, the CAIG noted that P&W is highly dependent on military sales (~50%
of direct sales in 2006) vice GE (~15%).85 While there appears to be no significant
loss of overall engineering talent at either manufacturer, the CAIG highlighted that
~200 GE military jet engineers would be unable to transfer skills to GE’s commercial
engines if the F136 engine was terminated.
IDA provided more in-depth analysis on the effects to the industrial base in their
final report. While they concluded that the U.S. industrial base may not be
“irreparably harmed” if the F136 engine is terminated, they expressed reservations
in DOD placing all of its fighter engine production with a firm that has a weak
position in the commercial marketplace.86 IDA felt that a firm with a weak
commercial marketplace presence would have fewer resources that could be
leveraged for use on DOD products. IDA also examined the top suppliers of
components for the F136 and determined that it is “unlikely that any supplier would
exit the domestic industrial base because of F136 termination.”87 Overall, IDA
concluded that the U.S. industrial base would be stronger as a result of an active
F136 program.
One defense analyst, however, postulated that GE’s current commercial market
dominance over P&W could actually weaken the industrial base if GE was to secure
a sizable share of the JSF engine business.88 This analyst noted that GE, from 2007
to 2016, is expected to produce more engines for the F/A-18 than P&W will for all
of the fighter aircraft it supports (F-15, F-16, F-22, and F-35).89 The Teal Group’s
analysis appears to back up this claim and Figure 3 shows the forecasted value of
GE’s dominance in large engine production. Additionally, other than UAVs, the only
other potential market for a fighter engine derivative appears to be the Next


84 OSD Cost Analysis Improvement Group Report (v6), “F-35/JSF Alternate Engine
Acquisition and Independent Cost Analyses,” March 15, 2007, Slide 44.
85 Ibid.
86 IDA JSF Final Report, p. 169.
87 Ibid., p. 165.
88 Loren Thompson. “Powering JSF — One Engine Is Enough.” Lexington Institute, January

2008, p. 14.


89 Ibid., p. 15.

Generation Bomber due to be produced by the end of the next decade. Therefore,
JSF engine contract success could have a profound effect of P&W’s “bottom line.”
Figure 3. GE/P&W Large Engine Forecasted Value (in $ Millions)


$16, 000
$14, 000
Open 737/A320-X
$12, 000
$10, 000
$8,000GE Commercial
$6, 000
$4, 000
$2,000GE MilitaryOpen JSF
P&W Commercial
$0P&W Military
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Source: The Teal Group, May 9, 2008.
Note: The same methodology was used by the Teal Group as was used in the forecasted unit
production figure.
Additional industrial base issues have not yet been widely debated, but may
also inform decisions on the future of the F136. One issue concerns export and
competitiveness. The JSF is a centerpiece of the federal government’s fighter aircraft
policy. Since the program’s beginning, the desire to produce a cost-effective,
multirole aircraft appears to have been shaped by consideration of what the
international market would bear.90 The F-35 is designed as an export aircraft, and
one that is hoped to leverage the international success of the F-16 Falcon (another
cost effective, single engine, multirole fighter) to perpetuate U.S. dominance in this
market. Foreign participation in the JSF program was sought to defray development
costs, but also to “prime the pump” for export.91
A key question appears to be whether the JSF will achieve the same export
success with one engine-type as it might with two. Some argue that the F-16’s export
success is directly attributable to having two engine types: “The F-16 became a much
more exportable aircraft when GE and Pratt were killing each other in the
international market. So, if you are selling these JSF’s and you have got one
90 See for instance John Tirpak. “World Market Forces Improved Military Exports.”
Aviation Week & Space Technology. February 14, 1994. John Morrocco. “No JAST
Prototypes to Fly Until After 2000.” Aviation Week & Space Technology. December 13,

1993, and “Brits Visit JAST to Position for Next Round of Contracts.” Aerospace Daily.


June 1, 1994.
91 “Australia, Belgium Enter Joint Strike Fighter Program as EMD Partners,” Inside the Air
Force, April 21, 2000.

engine...that reduces the attractiveness to these international customers...”92
Singapore and South Korea have both selected the GE F110 engine to power their F-
15 Eagles, and Saudi Arabia is giving serious consideration to re-engining its F-15s
with GE engines. These decisions contrast with U.S. Air Force decisions to power
its Eagles with P&W engines. Further, while GE engines power a large fraction of
USAF F-16 Falcons, P&W engine sales to international F-16 customers have
dominated GE sales. This background lends credence to the suggestion that
competition in engine selection can enhance U.S. fighter aircraft export success.
Would cancelling the F136 and the attendant competition with the F135
adversely affect potential future advances in engine performance, reliability, and
maintainability? If so, might this be at the expense of U.S. competitiveness? Some
of those who participated in, or studied the “Great Engine War” assert that the
competition between GE and P&W made both companies better and “proved
invaluable to future engine development.”93
The economic stakes in international fighter engine competition appear to be
high. U.S. companies face competition from France, Sweden, Russia, and a
European consortium of companies, and it is argued that some of these governments
heavily subsidize their aerospace industries. Aerospace is an important export for
the United States. Despite this competition, aerospace has at times provided the U.S.
economy with its highest trade surplus.94 Many observers project that the size of the
international market for fighter aircraft will remain high for the next decade, after
which it may peak and then decline.95
Acquisition Reform and Accountability
The final point one might make about the potential termination of the F136
pertains to acquisition reform, or “good government.”96 Congress has held multiple
hearings on defense acquisition reform, and members have consistently expressed


92 Carlo Munoz. “Congress, Defense Department Square Off Over Second JSF Engine.”
Inside the Air Force. March 3, 2006.
93 Maj. John Nix and Maj. Riley Shelnutt. “Behind the Alternate Fighter Engine
Competition.” Aerospace America. May 1984.
94 “The trade surplus generated by aerospace foreign trade in 2005 totaled $37 billion. With
an $8.4 billion increase in exports and $2 billion rise in imports, the industry’s trade surplus
expanded $6.4 billion. The aerospace trade balance, before its sharp rise this year and last,
had fallen $14 billion from its $41 billion peak in 1998 due to $12 billion fewer exports and
$2 billion more imports. In 2004, the latest year of comparative data, the U.S. aerospace
industry posted the highest trade balance of all industry categories. (emphasis added).” 2005
Year-End Review and 2006 Forecast — An Analysis. David H. Napier, Director, Aerospace
Research Center. Aerospace Industries Association.
95 “Market Overview: Fighter/Attack Aircraft.” World Military & Civil Aircraft Briefing.
Teal Group Inc. (Fairfax, VA) February 2006.
96 For example, Air Land Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee,
November 15, 2005, and Readiness and Management Support Subcommittee of the Senate
Armed Services Committee, November 9, 2005.

concern about perceived shortcomings in the current acquisition system, or a lack of
personal accountability in acquisition decisions. As Congress has tried to determine
and correct the root causes of growing weapon system cost growth it has heard from
witnesses a litany of problems such as funding instability, unrealistic requirements,
poorly structured contractor incentives, too much reliance on lead system integrators,
and the improper use of commercial contracts to purchase military items.
In this context, many observers believe that the competition during the “Great
Engine War” conferred a number of benefits to government that today’s acquisition
officials would have a difficult time duplicating. For example, prior to the first
contract award, the Air Force demanded that GE and P&W provide six years of cost
projections to include the production of engines, but also the price of support
equipment, spare engines, technical data and dual sourcing data and second sourcing
data for operations and support. The contractors were held to these cost projections
for six years: the Air Force let six years of firm-fixed price, or “not-to-exceed”
contracts from the first production lot. Prior to the “Great Engine War,” government
had succeeded in negotiating firm-fixed price contracts only after the engine had been
operating in the field for several years. Never before had contractors agreed to
provide cost projections into the future, and contracts were typically for production
only, not O&S work.
By requiring GE and P&W to compete for annual production and O&S work,
DOD may have reaped a number of benefits such as better contract terms and
conditions, better warranties to assure engine quality, consistency, and long term
stability of support.97 Further, after competition was introduced, the incumbent
(P&W) offered “engine improvements to the Air Force earlier than the Air Force had
been led to expect without the competition.”98 To avoid potential disruptions in
production, and to protect itself against price gouging, DOD “required (each
contractor) to provide his plan for providing dual sources of critical parts. These
separately priced options in the proposals would allow the Government to reprocure
spare parts from sources other than the prime contractors.”99
Successfully orchestrating the “Great Engine War” in the mid-1980s required
a considerable amount of effort and skill by Air Force leaders. It is unclear whether
today’s environment would allow, or whether DOD leadership would be able to
exploit the JSF Alternate Engine competition as effectively as Air Force leaders in
the past.


97 U.S. Congress, House, Committee on Armed Services, Air Force Alternative Fighter
Engine, Hearings before the Subcommittee on Procurement and Military Nuclear systems,thnd

98 Cong. 2 Sess., March 8, 1984.


98 Robert W. Drewes. The Air Force and the Great Engine War. NDU Press (Washington,
DC) 1987.
99 Prepared Statement of Hon. Thomas Cooper. Air Force Alternative Fighter Engine,
Hearings OpCit.

CRS-23
Appendix A. DOD F136 Cost Analysis
iki/CRS-RL33390
g/w
s.or
leak
://wiki
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PMAG 2002.



Appendix B. F-35 Engine Components
Source: JSF Engine Second Source Executive Summary. Whitney, Bradley, and Brown, December
20, 2006.