Transition to New F-35 Logistics System Hits Headwinds.

• Date: 01 June 2021
• Author: Harper, Jon
• Published date: 01 June 2021
• Author: Harper, Jon

The effort to transition to a new and improved logistics system for the F-35 joint strike fighter is facing delays due to funding constraints and other challenges. The setback comes as the program is under pressure to improve operations and maintenance and to control costs.

The legacy Autonomic Logistics Information System, or ALIS, was designed to support F-35 operations, mission planning, supply-chain management and maintenance. However, it has been plagued by problems over the years.

"The system is not user-friendly and does not provide the sustainment-related capabilities that were promised," said Diana Maurer, director of defense capabilities and management at the Government Accountability Office.

Issues with electronic equipment logbooks have been well documented.

"These electronic records reside within ALIS and are supposed to alert maintainers when parts need to be replaced," among other uses, Maurer said in testimony to the House Armed Services subcommittees on readiness and tactical air and land forces, in April. "However, incorrect, missing, or corrupt electronic records within ALIS continue to affect day-to-day operations on the flight lines. This situation has resulted in the unnecessary grounding of'healthy' F-35 aircraft, as well as a culture of otherwise unnecessary manual workarounds to circumvent the electronic records problem at the squadron level."

Air Force Lt. Gen. Eric Fick, program executive officer for the F-35 Joint Program Office, noted that the Autonomic Logistics Information System has been a source of struggle.

"ALIS is a complex system with numerous documented shortfalls and technical challenges," he said in testimony. Additionally, "the outdated ALIS system architecture--which is over 15 years old--prevents us from taking full advantage of modern technologies, modern software development practices, and improved cybersecurity."

Last year, officials announced plans to move to a new system known as the Operational Data Integrated Network, or ODIN. It is being billed as a more user-friendly, integrated information system to include modern hardware, architectures, software development methods, data environments and platforms.

The transition is being led by the Joint Program Office with support from Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for the F-35 and ALIS.

"Our shared goal is continue improving speed, minimizing hardware footprint, reducing required labor, and enhancing user experience and overall capability," said Greg Ulmer, Lockheed's...