Pentagon acquisition czar John Young has approved the second low-rate initial production contract for 12 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, according to two senior Air Force generals. Young's blessing will allow the Pentagon to purchase six conventional Air Force jets and another six Marine Corps short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing variants, according to joint testimony by Lt. Gen. Donald Hoffman -- the Air Force's top uniformed weapons buyer -- and Lt. Gen. Daniel Darnell, deputy chief of staff for air, space and information operations,...
