Strapping in and Bailing out

This study analyzes past Air Force and Navy trainer and fighter aircraft programs and determines when conditions may be favorable for joint acquisition opportunities. Five case studies are examined with respect to cost, schedule, and performance characteristics and the interactions of the Air Force and the Navy. Specifically, the details of the Tactical Fighter, Experimental (TFX), the Next Generation Trainer (NGT) T-46A, the T-45A Goshawk, the Joint Primary Aircrew Training System (JPATS), and the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) are reviewed and compared. The study indicates that for joint acquisition to be a profitable venture, two conditions must be met: a common mission and a definite need, absent suitable alternatives. The type of mission matters less than commonality of performance requirements, while need generally brings money to the table.