Posted on 01/25/2011 10:25:26 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Shortly before making a final push to ensure that the Marine version of the F-35 fighter was not canceled, the services commandant, Gen. James F. Amos, called in a former Marine corporal for a frank talk. The onetime enlisted man, Robert J. Stevens, now heads Lockheed Martin, the giant contractor that has repeatedly run into difficulties in building the plane. And based in part on Mr. Stevenss assurances that the problems could be fixed, General Amos was able to persuade top Pentagon officials to grant a reprieve a two-year period to either save the Marine model or forget about it.
In announcing that decision this month, the defense secretary, Robert M. Gates, said that he was placing the Marine model one of three versions of the radar-evading plane on probation. And on Tuesday, the Pentagons program managers released new details about some of the parts problems and possible solutions, outlining the latest markers that could determine if, or when, the plane gets back on track.
The officials said some parts related to the planes high-powered propulsion system were being redesigned and a bulkhead in the fuselage reinforced. They added that a new lift fan that generates the powerful thrust needed for the plane to take off and land in short distances also had some heating issues and problems with vibrating doors.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
How’s it go - a camel is a horse designed by a committee?
So is the fix to leave the launch gear behind on the deck when the plane leaves?
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