Continuing to fund a second engine program for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter will delay purchases of more than 50 aircraft over the next five years, according to a senior Air Force official. Speaking before the Senate Armed Services airland subcommittee this afternoon, Lt. Gen. Mark Shackelford, military deputy for acquisition, said putting $4.6 billion toward the General Electric-Rolls Royce F136 program ($1.8 billion for research and development and $2.8 billion for procurement over the next five years) will force...
