- 5 of the 8 Cat 1 deficiencies should be resolved by the end of 2020 and the remaining 3 in 2021
- Dutch fleet has relatively high operational readiness and is able to achieve planned flying hours
- GAO states that 2020 report will be last separate annual report, because after achieving milestone C, the program is considered a regular program.
- Most IOT&E tests have been carried out with exception of JSE which are expected to be completed Q42020 or Q12021
- JPO cost estimates for C2D2 for period 2019-2025 are included in Dutch estimates for operating costs.
- The Dutch will set up their own cloud environment for ODIN to ensure it’s own management of Dutch F35 fleet. The cost of the Dutch cloud environment is included in F35 acquistion budget.
- The Dutch do not recognise the issues US units are experiencing with ALIS. They believe this is due to different organisation of Dutch ALIS enterprise and Dutch experience and knowledge gained by having embedded ALIS specialists in program since 2013.
- The Japanese F35A that crashed in 2019 has been found, and spatial disorientation reason for accident. Dutch aircraft have now been upgraded with Auto GCAS capability.
- Issues with F35A gun (bolts on gun suspension system vibrating loose, cracks in ‘plating’) have been instigated, with a design change to resolve loosening bolts and a temporary mod in place for cracking which will be implemented from Lot14 on. The accuracy issue has been resolved by a new software load that has been certified.
- 15% of canopies have been found to have the delamination issue, which hinders pilot visibility and the ability to discharge static electricity. The issue is due to new sealant kits introduced in 2017. The issue has been resolved by reverting to older sealant kit. The deficiency cannot be corrected and canopy must be replaced. Due to insufficient canopies being available, this is having a negative impact on availability. A second canopy manufacturer has been qualified and shortages should be overcome Q1 2022
- As a result of the F35A crash at Eglin in Apr 2020 an addition has been made to the pilot checklist as a corrective measure.
- The discovery of damaged OBIGGS pipes inside a fuel tank has resulted in temporary restrictions of flying within 25nm of storm cells and protecting aircraft on ground within 10nm of same.
- During SDD the F35A has met the requirements of the 6 mission types required of Dutch fleet
- The current Dutch program budget for 46 F35A of €$6013.7m includes a risk reserve of €$131.1m. The budget exceeds the current program estimate of €$5834.7 by €$170m
- This report, for the first time, includes costs that were previously not allocated to Project such as facility support, workplace automation, placements abroad, training /course, business trips and exercises.
- Average annual operating budget for 2020-2025 €$397.5m, average estimated operating cost is €$394.3m
- The operating forecasts are conservative
- A new PSFD MoU (Production Sustainment and Follow-on Development) is currently being drawn up which excludes Turkey. This MOU will include significantly higher cost ceilings. These amounts have already been included in Dutch F35 project estimates.The new PSFD MoU will be set for the life of the aircaft, Dutch CSR (Cost share ratio) of PSFD MoU will increase from 1.238% to 1.535% due to purchase of extra 9 jets.