Beyond the limit E9: Saving the Raptor. With Colonel Dan 'Tanna' Isbell
Analysis Summary
Summary
The person in this account is a senior program manager for the F-22 program. During his work, he discovered that the program was significantly over budget and behind schedule. He attended a meeting where a safety issue regarding spliced flight control wires was raised. He took action to address this safety concern, which led to conflicts with superiors and attempts to reassign him. Eventually, his concerns reached high-ranking officials, including the Secretary of Defense, leading to an investigation. The investigation confirmed his findings, and the Secretary ordered immediate corrective actions. The person faced challenges in his career but prioritized safety over personal advancement.
Program Intelligence Analysis
The transcript reveals serious issues within the F-22 program, including significant budget overruns and safety violations related to spliced flight control wires. A whistleblower's efforts led to an investigation that confirmed these claims and prompted immediate action from high-ranking officials.
The F-22 program was found to be $860 million over budget and had spliced flight control wires, leading to an investigation and grounding of the aircraft.
Dan
“I interrupted and said, 'General, you can't say that because there'll come a day when they'll say, 'What did you know?'”
Managed by: Department of Defense
Development of advanced air superiority fighter aircraft
The F-22 program was $860 million over budget and at least five years behind schedule.
Spliced flight control wires were found in F-22 aircraft, which is forbidden by contract.
The Secretary of the Air Force ordered the grounding of all F-22s to replace spliced wires.
The investigation into the F-22 program corroborated the claims about budget overruns and safety violations.