Posted on 07/11/2010 9:32:02 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Flight testing of the F-35 joint strike fighter finally seems to be gaining momentum as Lockheed Martin and the Defense Department try to show that development of the next-generation combat jet is finally on track.
Lockheed flew the ninth of the initial 13 flight-testing jets recently, counting the original prototype, which has already been retired.
By week's end, the test program had completed 146 flights this year compared with the 128 planned, a pace that, if, sustained, would enable the full-year goal of 394 flights to be met or exceeded.
Another measure of progress is the number of specific tests (test points) achieved: 1,438 completed compared with 1,255 planned.
All of which means that if F-35 testing continues at the current pace through the rest of this year, it will be just about where it was supposed to be at the end of 2009.
"Overall we're happy with the way things are going this year," said John Kent, Lockheed F-35 program spokesman.
More often than not, Kent said, the test planes return to base "code one," meaning that they had no problems and are ready to fly again.
After nine months of bad reports about rising costs, delays and problems, any sign of continuing progress is a good thing.
"Any good news on flight testing and costs gives a confidence boost" to the armed forces, defense officials and politicians in the U.S. and foreign countries that are expected to buy the F-35, said Richard Aboulafia, aerospace industry analyst for the Teal Group forecasting firm.
(Excerpt) Read more at star-telegram.com ...
Well yay.... The “Startlgram” has always been a big Lockheed Martin Cheerleader because about a jillion of their subscribers work at the plant.
As a middle class, Joe-the-plumber, tax paying guy.... I really don’t want to hear some mouthpiece at Lockheed Martin self aggrandizing about the “triumphs” of the program.
They have good jobs and are lucky to have them..... And we are paying for them..... So they to get that overbudget and overdue pig delivered and STFU.
Ah heck, any good news is appreciated...but really, is this good news or just good publicity?
Its really good. I have been posting numerous stories here and the progress has been astounding.
They are going to have a new role pretty soon. According to this weeks Air Force Times, the F-35 will be escorting bombers to help destroy their targets
Well, in that case, I’m really glad! The news has been so depressing lately that I am beginning to wonder if we have the capability to produce a decent fighter these days...
Well, honestly, that is really good to hear! I just hope that it turns out better that they even expected! Nice to finally hear some positive news regarding this...
See post 5
See post 5
Heh, don’t make it true... Do appreciate your optimism though.
If Lt General Philip Breedlove mentions the F-35 as an escort then the USAF is looking at it.
I’m not disagreeing with your statements... just that I think that we have scaled back future prospects and settled for the F35 due to cost considerations (good airplane, but not top notch). That is not necessarily a bad thing, just that it seems to me reminiscent of the Soviet Empire...
We do seem to be failing fast economically... (Thanks Obama).
You have a point
Don't worry -- this is a Texas plant. Watch for Dear Leader to knife this project, or move it to Illinois or Ohio or some battleground state. Screw Texas. He's already done it at least four times.
That's what the Socialists did to the French military between the World Wars -- jacked up domestic "grocery" spending and ate them out of house and home.
What the Rats have been trying to do to us since the 1930's; it's taken them until now to squander enough money on their tax-eaters that they're really hurting us.
Yes, unfortunately, it seems to be working...
Well it looks like the F-35 program is back on track and I think that is a good thing.
//it turns out better that they even expected//
I believe that it will. I believe that people are going to be blown away by the F-35.
I really hope that the F35 turns out to be a great fighter/whatever they wish... I just wonder if it is the best since we seem to have no money for advance options. Oh well, ...
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