Military aircraft such as the F-16 and Joint Strike Fighter, which are designed to perform air-to-air combat operations, are the primary means by which armed forces gain air superiority over their opponents in battle. RAND has studied fighter aircraft for many decades to provide civilian and military decisionmakers with critical recommendations on logistics, acquisition support, fleet modernization, and maintenance, to maximize effectiveness and innovation.
REPORT
Israel's disappointing performance in its war against Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2006 did not reflect a "failure of air power," but rather a failure of Israel's political and military leaders to properly assess the enemy, set achievable goals, apply an effective strategy and adequately manage public expectations.
NEWS RELEASE
Israel's disappointing performance in its war against Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2006 did not reflect a "failure of air power," but rather a failure of Israel's political and military leaders to properly assess the enemy, set achievable goals, apply an effective strategy and adequately manage public expectations.
REPORT
Written testimony submitted to the U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission on March 10, 2011.
REPORT
The last F-22A aircraft is scheduled for delivery in early 2012, so decisions must be made as to what tooling will be retained and what will be disposed of. The authors find that, for a modest, one-time additional cost of $17 million and a very small additional annual recurring cost, the Air Force can retain all F-22A unique government tools. They also find a difference of less than $1 billion between the costs of two different restart…
REPORT
The U.S. Air Force asked RAND Project AIR FORCE to perform a congressionally required assessment of contractor versus organic management of F-22 air vehicle and F119 engine sustainment to determine the most cost-effective approach. The methodology involved the development of notional government sustainment organizations and a consideration of a variety of factors relevant to such a decision, including the asserted benefits of each…
REPORT
To close existing training gaps for fifth-generation fighters, fully documented training requirements for realistic training scenarios are needed. In addition, resolution of technological uncertainties related to live, virtual, and constructive training capabilities could greatly improve training for fifth-generation fighters.
REPORT
As Navy aircraft age, leaders must decide whether to modify and upgrade the aging systems or replace them. Preliminary planning has begun as to the feasibility and desirability of a service life extension program (SLEP) on the F/A-18E/F versus buying replacement Joint Strike Fighters (JSFs). This report presents ranges of parameter values that favor versus oppose undertaking E/F SLEPs.
REPORT
Analyses demonstrate how F-16 and KC-135 aircraft maintenance units can be reconfigured to support mission generation operations, with heavy maintenance such as aircraft phase inspections reassigned to a network of centralized repair facilities. This approach identifies options that either exceed current maintenance capabilities at current cost levels or meet required capability levels at reduced cost.
REPORT
In 2008, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence conducted a comparative analysis of potential candidates to replace its F-16 fighter aircraft. This report presents RAND Europe's evaluation of that analysis.
NEWS RELEASE
Andrew Hoehn, Director of RAND Project Air Force, made a statement today regarding articles that have appeared in the Australian press with assertions regarding a war game in which analysts from RAND were involved.
NEWS RELEASE
RAND Study Estimates Multiyear Purchase of F-22A Fighters Would Save Air Force Hundreds of Millions of Dollars, RAND Study Finds.
REPORT
Using a single three-year contract to buy 60 F-22A fighter jets along with engines and spare parts – rather than using three separate annual contracts – would save the U.S. Air Force hundreds of millions of dollars.
REPORT
This monograph examines how the skills needed to perform future military missions might affect the capabilities required of new pilot training systems. In the next few years, the Air Force must decide to replace or extend the lives of two of its trainer aircraft. This monograph addresses which skills should be taught in undergraduate flying training, which are so different that they cannot be taught in current training aircraft, and what…
NEWS RELEASE
There will be less competition and innovation in the U.S. military aircraft industry and some highly skilled specialists will leave the industry over the next 10 years unless the nation begins additional aircraft development programs, according to a RAND Corporation study released today.
COMMENTARY
Technological advances often give rise to new types of weapons, but the achievement of lasting breakthroughs in fighting power requires organizational and doctrinal innovation as we.
REPORT
This report contains an analysis conducted for the UK Ministry of Defence regarding its plan to buy up to 150 Joint Strike Fighters. The authors found significant overlap between final assembly and repair and estimated the costs of various final assembly options. Three of four UK sites would be suitable for JSF final assembly with investments and capability development if the technology-transfer issues can be resolved.
RESEARCH BRIEF
Suggests that the dramatic contraction of the aerospace industry may indeed jeopardize the future design and production of innovative and cost-effective military fighter aircraft.
JOURNAL ARTICLE
The authors examine options the Air Force might consider for F-15 avionics maintenance to work toward achieving EAF goals, comparing alternatives to each other and the current system.
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