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Introduction
F-35 Acquisition
Pre-JAST
JAST
JSF
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What is known today as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program
was originally known as the Joint Advanced Strike Technology
(JAST) Program. The goal of the JAST program was not to have
developed a new aircraft, but instead it was to mature the
technologies that a new series of tactical aircraft could
use.
JAST was chartered to mature
technologies, develop requirements, and demonstrate concepts
for affordable next-generation joint strike warfare. As JAST
plans took shape, it became apparent that JAST would be funding
one or more concept demonstrator aircraft starting in 1996–about
the time the ASTOVL program planned to enter its Phase III
(full-scale flight demonstrators). The ASTOVL project, as
an advanced concept for a future joint-service strike/fighter,
appeared consistent with the JAST charter. It was therefore
agreed by the management of both programs, that JAST would
become the U.S. service “sponsor” for the flight
demonstration phase of ASTOVL, if Phase II were successful
and if the concept appeared to be able to satisfy the requirements
of at least two of the three U.S. services participating in
JAST. However, FY95 budget legislation passed in October 1994
by the U.S. Congress directed that ASTOVL be merged into JAST
immediately.
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