F-35's ALIS draws fire

Subpar performance of the F-35 logistics information system has drawn the attention of lawmakers, who got an earful from F-35 maintenance crews during a recent visit to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The autonomic logistics information system, or ALIS, is hooked up to each F-35 to monitor every component of the aircraft and to alert operators of any breakdowns. The complaints heard by members of Congress include user-unfriendliness, slow response to queries and high frequency of false alarms. Military aviation experts said some of these issues are temporary and should be expected in new programs, but other shortcomings might take years to fix. Program Executive Officer Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher Bogdan traveled to Eglin this week to personally investigate the issues raised by the committee. (Source: National Defense Magazine, 04/24/15)