[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 116 (Wednesday, June 24, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S3202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

  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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