Software Integrationi Options for the F-22 and F-35 Major Defense Acquisition Programs

Abstract

Major DOD programs, such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II programs, have software challenges. Given the recent top-down direction to improve the agility of critical software acquisition, development, and deployment, it is crucial to understand the remaining factors preventing improvement. This research included a broad review of government reports and recommendations, private-sector best practices and innovation, and military efforts to work with the private sector. These efforts revealed factors slowing progress, including the often-siloed structure of DOD programs, long development timelines, and rigid budget funding cycles. Acquisition processes for software ideally differ from those for hardware, but they are often undifferentiated in practice. Program leaders are frequently too invested in limited development approaches and resistant to recommendations from software experts. The research pinpointed several areas of the DOD’s acquisition programs within which to incorporate changes to current practices. These changes should result in program improvements across areas of cost, schedule, and performance.