|
 The F-22 Raptor, after ten years of development, was approved for low-rate production by the Pentagon Defense Acquisition Board. Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Pete Aldridge announced the decision on 15 August following a comprehensive review of the program by the DAB. “The program has met all its exit criteria for entering into low-rate production and is performing to its design goals,” said Aldridge. The DAB, which is composed of senior DoD as well as the secretaries of all three services, unanimously approved the production in a show of cross-service support.
The Lockheed Martin-led industry team is now authorized to finish building the first lot of ten F-22s using FY ’01 funds; the second lot of thirteen aircraft will begin production in FY ’02. Low-rate production will run through FY ’05, then shift into high-rate production through at least the year 2013. The DAB decision to allow the F-22 Raptor to enter production is seen by many as both a morale boost and a much-needed and long-awaited vote of confidence in the program.
|
