F-35 Concurrency Leaves 108 of Its Type Behind

There was a theory called "concurrency". The methodology for concurrency is to make an initial copy and then return back to that copy for updating it into some futuristic version from its origin. The F-35 is that prototypical attempt. The concurrent theory puts versions 2F, 3i and 3F to the test. Each reiteration of software is a concurrent up grade of the aircraft where the maker can go back and upgrade the aircraft within its own configuration. The other aspect of concurrency allows the maker to change firm upgrades when innovation solves a problem such as in the case of ejector seat malfunctioning and it can go back concurrently with new ejector seats and replace the faulty ones in all previously delivered aircraft. Concurrency is depended upon as the F-35 evolves through its development phases, but now a problem arises with the F-35.

The initial F-35 delivered are so far away from being concurrent with the new F-35's coming off the assembly line it makes the first 108 F-35's obsolete as a war fighter and it cannot be mustered for combat without billions of dollars spent renovating those first F-35 already fielded. The early 108 F-35's are a pain to make it concurrent as a fully capable war fighter. The military is considering making the early copies as training aircraft since the Air Force Navy and Marines have no dedicated 5th generation training fighters in its inventory, as all those currently flying should be marked for full combat capability as soon as the F-35 development phase ends. 

A decision would be made by the time Full Rate Production begins. If Lockheed can produce 140 F-35's a year at a full rate and at lower cost it would be a matter of months before every of the 108 early builds could be replaced with fully capable war fighters. The military does need training aircraft and the most expensive F-35's are all those early builds which may be turned into 5th generation training aircraft it sorely needs. Concurrency works after the development phase is completed.

The bottom line, is concurrency has put the military into a fine fix as Ollie from Laurel and Hardy would say. It just so happens that Tax Payer money is expendable.