Summary: Since the F-22 program entered full-scale development in 1991, the severity of the projected military threat has declined. Instead of confronting thousands of modern Soviet fighters, U.S. air forces are likely to face adversaries with few fighters capable of challenging the F-15--the U.S. front line fighter. GAO found that the F-15 exceeds the most advanced threat expected to exist. GAO assumed that no improvements will be made to the F-15 but the capability of the "most advanced threat" assumes some modifications. GAO's analysis suggests that the current inventory of F-15s can be economically maintained in a structurally sound condition until 2015 or later. Thus, the F-15's initial operational capability can be delayed seven years and its planned production start date of 1996 can be postponed to a future date that the Pentagon deems appropriate to meet the new initial operational capability date. In addition to a declining need for the F-22 to counter threats, the aircraft has not been designed to handle multiple missions or joint use among the services, important features for future solution for tactical aircraft modernization. The F-22, as designed, will be a land-based fighter unable to operate from aircraft carriers. Further, the F-22 is designed mainly for one mission--air superiority against opposing fighters.
