[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 9, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27202-27206]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-11154]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Office of the Secretary

[Transmittal Nos. 12-15]


36(b)(1) Arms Sales Notification

AGENCY: Department of Defense, Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Defense is publishing the unclassified text 
of a section 36(b)(1) arms sales notification. This is published to 
fulfill the requirements of section 155 of Public Law 104-164 dated 
July 21, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Ms. B. English, DSCA/DBO/CFM, (703) 
601-3740.
    The following is a copy of a letter to the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives, Transmittals 12-15 with attached transmittal, policy 
justification, and Sensitivity of Technology.

    Dated: May 4, 2012.
Aaron Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TN09MY12.007

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Transmittal No. 12-15

Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to Section 
36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as Amended

    (i) Prospective Purchaser: Japan.
    (ii) Total Estimated Value:

Major Defense Equipment *...............  $4.1 billion.
Other...................................  5.9 billion.
                                         -------------------------------
  Total.................................  10.0 billion.
 
* As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control Act.

    (iii) Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or 
Services under Consideration for Purchase: MDE includes: An initial 4 
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) 
aircraft with an option to purchase an additional 38 F-35 CTOL 
aircraft. All aircraft will be configured with the Pratt and Whitney F-
135 engines, and 5 spare Pratt and Whitney F-135 engines. Other 
Aircraft Equipment includes: Electronic Warfare Systems, Command, 
Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence/Communication, 
Navigational and Identifications (C4I/CNI), Autonomic Logistics Global 
Support System (ALGS), Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), 
Flight Mission Trainer, Weapons Employment Capability, and other 
Subsystems, Features, and Capabilities, F-35 unique infrared flares, 
reprogramming center, and F-35 Performance Based Logistics. Also 
included: Software development/integration, flight test 
instrumentation, aircraft ferry and tanker support, spare

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and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, 
technical data and publications, personnel training and training 
equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and 
logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics 
support.
    (iv) Military Department: Air Force (SBC).
    (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: None.
    (vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Offered, or Agreed to be 
Paid: None.
    (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained in the Defense Article or 
Defense Services Proposed to be Sold: See Attached Annex.
    (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: 30 April 2012.

Policy Justification

Japan--F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft
    The Government of Japan has requested a possible sale of an initial 
4 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) 
aircraft with an option to purchase an additional 38 F-35 CTOL 
aircraft. All aircraft will be configured with the Pratt and Whitney F-
135 engines, and 5 spare Pratt and Whitney F-135 engines. Other 
Aircraft Equipment includes: Electronic Warfare Systems, Command, 
Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence/Communication, 
Navigational and Identifications (C4I/CNI), Autonomic Logistics Global 
Support System (ALGS), Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), 
Flight Mission Trainer, Weapons Employment Capability, and other 
Subsystems, Features, and Capabilities, F-35 unique infrared flares, 
reprogramming center, and F-35 Performance Based Logistics. Also 
included: Software development/integration, flight test 
instrumentation, aircraft ferry and tanker support, spare and repair 
parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, technical data and 
publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. 
Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support 
services, and other related elements of logistics support. The 
estimated cost is $10.0 billion.
    Japan is one of the major political and economic powers in East 
Asia and the Western Pacific and a key ally of the United States in 
ensuring the peace and stability of this region. The U.S. Government 
shares bases and facilities in Japan. This proposed sale is consistent 
with these U.S. objectives and with the 1960 Treaty of Mutual 
Cooperation and Security.
    The proposed sale of aircraft and support will augment Japan's 
operational aircraft inventory and enhance its air-to-air and air-to-
ground self-defense capability. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's F-4 
aircraft will be decommissioned as F-35's are added to the inventory. 
Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed 
forces.
    The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the 
basic military balance in the region.
    The prime contractors will be Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company 
in Fort Worth, Texas, and Pratt and Whitney Military Engines in East 
Hartford, Connecticut. There are no known offset agreements proposed in 
connection with this potential sale.
    Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to 
Japan involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for 
technical reviews/support, programs management, and training over a 
period of 15 years. U.S. contractor representatives will be required in 
Japan to conduct Contractor Engineering Technical Services (CETS) and 
Autonomic Logistics and Global Support (ALGS) for after-aircraft 
delivery.
    There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a 
result of this proposed sale.

Transmittal No. 12-15

Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to Section 
36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as Amended

Annex Item No. vii
    (vii) Sensitivity of Technology:
    1. The F-35 Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) Block 3 
aircraft is classified Secret, except as noted below. It contains 
current technology representing the F-35 low observable airframe/outer 
mold line, Pratt and Whitney engine, radar, integrated core processor 
central computer, mission systems/electronic warfare suite, a multiple 
sensor suite, operational flight and maintenance trainers, technical 
data/documentation, and associated software. As the aircraft and its 
subsystems are under development, many specific identifying equipment/
system nomenclatures have not been assigned to date. Sensitive and 
classified elements of the F-35 CTOL Block 3 aircraft include hardware, 
accessories, components, and associated software for the following 
major subsystems:
    a. The Propulsion system is classified Secret and contains state-
of-the art technology in several areas. Information on performance and 
inherent vulnerabilities is classified Secret. Software (object code) 
is classified Secret. The single 40,000-lb thrust class engine is 
designed for low observability and has been integrated into the 
aircraft system and assures highly reliable, affordable performance. 
The engine is designed to be utilized in all F-35 variants, providing 
unmatched commonality and supportability throughout the worldwide base 
of F-35 users. The Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL) propulsion 
configuration consists of a main engine, diverterless supersonic inlet, 
and a Low Observable Axisymmetric Nozzle (LOAN).
    b. The AN/APG-81 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) 
provides mission systems with air-to-air and air-to-ground tracks which 
the mission system uses as a component to sensor fusion. The AESA 
allows the radar to direct RF energy in a way that does not expose the 
F-35, allowing it to maintain low observability in high-threat 
environments. The radar subsystem supports integrated system 
performance for air-to-air missions by providing search, track, 
identification, and AIM-120 missile data link functionality. The radar 
also provides synthetic aperture radar mapping for locating surface 
targets and weather mapping for weather avoidance. The radar functions 
are tightly integrated, interleaved, and managed by an interface to 
sensor management functions within mission software. The hardware and 
software are classified Secret.
    c. The Electro Optical Targeting System (EOTS) contains technology 
representing the latest state-of-the-art in several areas. Information 
on performance and inherent vulnerabilities is classified Secret. 
Software (object code) is classified Secret. The EOTS subsystem to the 
sensor suite provides long-range detection; infrared targeting and 
tracking systems to support weapon employment. It incorporates a 
missile-quality Infrared Search and Track (IRST) capability, a Forward-
Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensor for precision tracking, and Bomb Damage 
Indication (BDI) capability. EOTS replaces multiple separate internal 
or podded systems typically found on legacy aircraft. The functionality 
of the EOTS employs the following modes: Targeting FLIR; Laser Range-
Finding and Target Designation; EODAS and EOTS Performance.
    d. The Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (EODAS) is a 
subsystem to the sensor suite and provides full spherical coverage for 
air-to-air and air-to-ground detection and Navigation Forward Looking 
Infrared

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(NFLIR) imaging. The system contains both Secret and Unclassified 
elements and contains technology representing the latest state-of-the-
art in several areas. Information on performance and inherent 
vulnerabilities is classified Secret. Software (object code) is 
classified Secret. The NFLIR capability provides infrared (IR) imagery 
directly to the pilot's Helmet-Mounted Display for navigation in total 
darkness, including takeoff and landing, and provides a passive IR 
input to the F-35's sensor fusion algorithms. The all-aspect missile 
warning function provides time-critical warnings of incoming missiles 
and cues other subsystems to provide effective countermeasure 
employment. EODAS also provides an IRST function that can create and 
maintain Situational Awareness-quality tracks (SAIRST). EODAS is a mid-
wave Infrared (IR) system consisting of six identical sensors 
distributed around the F-35 aircraft. Each sensor has a corresponding 
airframe window panel integrated with the aircraft structure to meet 
aerodynamic and stealth requirements.
    e. The Electronic Warfare (EW) system contains technology 
representing the latest state-of-the-art in several areas. Information 
on performance and inherent vulnerabilities is classified Secret. 
Software (object code) is classified Secret. Sensitive elements 
include: Apertures; radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) 
countermeasures; and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) techniques and 
features. The reprogrammable, integrated system provides radar warning 
and electronic support measures (ESM) along with a fully integrated 
countermeasures (CM) system. The EW system is the primary subsystem 
used to enhance situational awareness, targeting support and self 
defense through the search, intercept, location and identification of 
in-band emitters and to automatically counter IR and RF threats. The IR 
and RF countermeasures are classified Secret. This system uses low 
signature-embedded apertures, located in the aircraft control surface 
edges, to provide direction finding and identification of surface and 
airborne emitters and the geo-location of surface emitters. The system 
is classified Secret.
    f. The Command, Control, Communications, Computers and 
Intelligence/Communications, Navigation, and Identification (C4I/CNI) 
system provides the pilot with unmatched connectivity to flight 
members, coalition forces, and the battlefield. It is an integrated 
subsystem designed to provide a broad spectrum of secure, anti-jam, 
covert voice and data communications, precision radio navigation and 
landing capability, self-identification, beyond visual range target 
identification, and connectivity with off-board sources of information. 
The functionality is tightly integrated within the mission system for 
enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in the areas of communications, 
navigation, identification, and sensor fusion. Information on 
performance and inherent vulnerabilities is classified Secret. Software 
(object code) is classified Secret. The CNI function includes both 
Secret and Unclassified elements. Sensitive elements of the CNI 
subsystems include:
    (1) The VHF/UHF Voice and Data (Plain and Secure) Communication 
functionality includes air-to-air UHF/VHF voice and data, both clear 
and secure, to provide communications with other friendly and coalition 
aircraft, air-to-ground UHF voice to provide communications with ground 
sites, and intercommunication voice and tone alerts to provide 
communications between the avionics system and the pilot. UHF/VHF 
downlink of air vehicle status and maintenance information is provided 
to notify the ground crews of the amounts and types of stores, fuel, 
and other supplies or equipment needed to quickly turn the aircraft for 
the next mission. The system contains both Secret and Unclassified 
elements and contains technology representing the latest state-of-the-
art in several areas. Information on performance and inherent 
vulnerabilities is classified Secret. Software (object code) is 
classified Secret.
    (2) The Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) functionality provides 
operational modes to identify ground station and to provide bearing-to-
station, slant range-to-ground station, bearing-to-airborne station and 
slant range to the nearest airborne station or aircraft. TACAN is not 
unique to the F-35 aircraft but is standard on most USAF aircraft. 
Information on performance and inherent vulnerabilities is classified 
Secret. Software (object code) is classified Secret.
    (3) The Identification Friend or Foe Interrogator and Transponder 
Identification functionality consists of integrated Mark XII 
Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponder capability to provide 
identification of other friendly forces. The CNI system supports sensor 
fusion by supplying data from IFF interrogations and off-board sources 
through the intra-flight data link. The system contains both Secret and 
Unclassified elements and contains technology representing the latest 
state-of-the-art in several areas. Information on performance and 
inherent vulnerabilities is classified Secret. Software (object code) 
is classified Secret.
    (4) The Global Positioning System Navigation functionality includes 
the Global Positioning System (GPS) aided inertial navigation to 
provide high-quality positional navigation, and the Instrument Landing 
System (ILS)/Tactical Air Control and Navigation (TACAN) to provide 
navigation and landing cues within controlled airspace. Information on 
performance and inherent vulnerabilities is classified Secret. Software 
(object code) is classified Secret.
    (5) The Multi-Function Advanced Data Link (MADL) is used 
specifically for communications between F-35 aircraft and has a very 
low probability of intercept, contributing to covert operations. The 
system contains both Secret and Unclassified elements and contains 
technology representing the latest state-of-the-art in several areas. 
Information on performance and inherent vulnerabilities is classified 
Secret. Software (object code) is classified Secret.
    (6) The Inertial Navigation System is an all-attitude, Ring Laser 
Gyro-based navigation system providing outputs of linear and angular 
acceleration, velocity, body angular rates, position, attitude (roll, 
pitch, and platform azimuth), magnetic and true heading, altitude, and 
time tags. Information on performance and inherent vulnerabilities is 
classified Secret. Software (object code) is classified Secret.
    (7) The Radar Altimeter functionality is a module provided in the 
CNI system rack 3A and uses separate transmit and receive antennas. It 
measures and reports altitude, and altitude rate of change. Control 
data is transferred over to a configurable avionics interface card 
which translates the information to the F-35 aircraft computers. 
Information on performance and inherent vulnerabilities is classified 
Secret. Software (object code) is classified Secret.
    (8) The Instrument Landing System (ILS) measures, and reports 
azimuth course and alignment, elevation course alignment, and distance 
to the runway. Data from the ILS is used to drive visual flight 
instrumentation. Information on performance and inherent 
vulnerabilities is classified Secret. Software (object code) is 
classified Secret.
    (9) The Tactical Data Links system is a secure broadcast Tactical 
Digital Information Link (TADIL) used for real-

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time voice/data exchange for command and control, relative navigation, 
and Precise Position Location Identification (PPLI), providing Link-16 
type capabilities. The system contains both Secret and Unclassified 
elements and contains technology representing the latest state-of-the-
art in several areas. Information on performance and inherent 
vulnerabilities is classified Secret. Software (object code) is 
classified Secret.
    g. The F-35 Autonomic Logistics and Global Support (ALGS) includes 
both Secret and Unclassified elements. It provides a fully integrated 
logistics management solution. ALGS integrates a number of functional 
areas, including supply chain management, repair, support equipment, 
engine support, and training. The ALGS infrastructure employs a state-
of-the-art information system that provides real-time, decision-worthy 
information for sustainment decisions by flight line personnel. 
Prognostic health monitoring technology is integrated with the air 
system and is crucial to the predictive maintenance of vital 
components.
    h. The F-35 Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) includes 
both Secret and Unclassified elements. The ALIS provides an intelligent 
information infrastructure that binds all of the key concepts of ALGS 
into an effective support system. ALIS establishes the appropriate 
interfaces among the F-35 Air Vehicle, the warfighter, the training 
system, government information technology (IT) systems, JSF operations, 
and supporting commercial enterprise systems. Additionally, ALIS 
provides a comprehensive tool for data collection and analysis, 
decision support, and action tracking.
    i. The F-35 Training System includes both Secret and unclassified 
elements. The Training System includes several types of training 
devices, to provide for integrated training of both pilots and 
maintainers. The pilot training devices include a Full Mission 
Simulator (FMS) and Deployable Mission Rehearsal Trainer (DMRT). The 
maintainer training devices include an Aircraft Systems Maintenance 
Trainer (ASMT), Ejection System Maintenance Trainer (ESMT), and Weapons 
Loading Trainer (WLT). The F-35 Training System can be integrated, 
where both pilots and maintainers learn in the same Integrated Training 
Center (ITC). Alternatively, the pilots and maintainers can train in 
separate facilities (Pilot Training Center and Maintenance Training 
Center).
    j. Weapons employment capability is Secret and contains technology 
representing the latest state-of-the-art in several areas. Information 
on performance and inherent vulnerabilities is Secret. Software (object 
code) is classified Secret. Sensitive elements include co-operative 
targeting.
    k. Other Subsystems, Features, and Capabilities:
    (1) The Low Observable Air Frame is Secret and contains technology 
representing the latest state-of-the-art in several areas. Information 
on performance and inherent vulnerabilities is classified Secret. 
Software (object code) is Secret. Sensitive elements include: The Radar 
Cross Section and its corresponding plots, construction materials and 
fabrication.
    (2) The Integrated Core Processor (ICP) Central Computer is Secret 
and contains technology representing the latest state-of-the-art in 
several areas. Information on performance and inherent vulnerabilities 
is Secret. Software (object code) is classified (Secret. Sensitive 
elements include: F-35 Integrated Core Processor utilizing Commercial 
Off the Shelf (COTS) Hardware and Module Design to maximize growth and 
allow for efficient Management of DMS and Technology Insertion), if 
additional processing is needed, a second ICP will be installed in the 
space reserved for that purpose, more than doubling the current 
throughput and memory capacity.
    (3) The F-35 Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) is Secret and 
contains technology representing the latest state-of-the-art in several 
areas. Information on performance and inherent vulnerabilities is 
Secret. Software (object code) is Secret. Sensitive elements include: 
HMDS consists of the Display Management Computer-Helmet, a helmet 
shell/display module, a quick disconnect integrated as part of the 
ejection seat, helmet trackers and tracker processing, day- and night-
vision camera functions, and dedicated system/graphics processing. The 
HMDS provides a fully sunlight readable, bi-ocular display presentation 
of aircraft information projected onto the pilot's helmet visor. The 
use of a night vision camera integrated into the helmet eliminates the 
need for separate Night Vision Goggles (NVG). The camera video is 
integrated with EO and IR imaging inputs and displayed on the pilot's 
visor to provide a comprehensive night operational capability.
    (4) The Pilot Life Support System is Secret and contains technology 
representing the latest state-of-the-art in several areas. Information 
on performance and inherent vulnerabilities is Secret. Software (object 
code) is Secret. Sensitive elements include: A measure of Pilot 
Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Protection through use of On 
Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS); and an escape system that 
provides additional protection to the pilot. OBOGS takes the Power and 
Thermal Management System (PTMS) air and enriches it by removing gases 
(mainly nitrogen) by adsorption, thereby increasing the concentration 
of oxygen in the product gas and supplying breathable air to the pilot.
    (5) The Off-Board Mission Support System is Secret and contains 
technology representing the latest state-of-the-art in several areas. 
Information on performance and inherent vulnerabilities is Secret. 
Software (object code) is Secret. Sensitive elements include: Mission 
planning, mission briefing, maintenance/intelligence/tactical 
debriefing, sensor/algorithm planning, EW system reprogramming, data 
debrief, etc.
    1. Publications: Manuals are considered Secret, special access 
required, as they contain information on aircraft/system performance 
and inherent vulnerabilities
    2. The JSF Reprogramming Center is classified Secret and contains 
technology representing the latest state-of-the-art in several areas. 
This hardware/software facility provides a means to update JSF 
electronic warfare databases. Sensitive elements include: EW software 
databases and tools to modify these databases.
    3. If a technologically advanced adversary were to obtain knowledge 
of the specific hardware and software elements, the information could 
be used to develop countermeasures which might reduce weapon system 
effectiveness or be used in the development of a system with similar or 
advanced capabilities.

[FR Doc. 2012-11154 Filed 5-8-12; 8:45 am]
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