Wright-Patterson is a contender for a new F-35 program office to oversee the development of the Air Force version of the F-35 stealth fighter, two congressional representatives say.
Here are three things to know about Wright-Patterson and the F-35 program office:
1. JOINT PROGRAM OFFICE: The development of three different versions of the F-35 is managed through the Joint Program Office in Crystal City, Va. A Pentagon report has urged splitting oversight into two offices, one for the Air Force and a second for the Navy and Marine Corps. Each service branch flies a different version of the jet. A decision on what steps to take next and where to locate the offices was expected sometime over the next year, but a final date has not been set.
RELATED: Wright-Patt a contender to manage stealth fighter program
2. A CONTENDER: Wright-Patterson is a contender to land the Air Force office, according to U.S. Reps. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, and Warren Davidson, R-Troy. Among other things, Turner said the base has the experienced workforce needed and handles foreign sales of military aircraft.
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3. FIGHTERS & BOMBERS DIRECTORATE: Wright-Patterson has oversight of the development of many other aircraft in the Fighters and Bombers Directorate at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. Some of those include the F-15, F-16, F-22, and a technical development program for the F-35.
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