F-35 Suitability Still Not Up To Snuff, Dependent On 'Unacceptable' Workarounds

January 16, 2015 |
Jason Sherman
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program notched some progress in efforts to improve aircraft reliability last year; however, the combat aircraft project -- the U.S. military's largest procurement effort -- continues to fall short of Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps operational suitability expectations, according to the Pentagon's top weapons tester. J. Michael Gilmore, director of operational test and evaluation, in his 2014 annual report outlines a 34-page assessment of the JSF program -- built by prime contractor Lockheed Martin...

Not a subscriber? Sign up for 30 days free access to exclusive, behind-the-scenes reporting on defense policy and procurement.