F-35 is performing better than expected

Posted on: Jun. 19th, 2007 || Source: star-telegram.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

F-35 is performing better than expected

PARIS -- The performance of Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II continues to impress its handlers, even when something goes wrong.

An electrical-system problem during the last test flight in mid-April provided engineers some valuable insights into some needed improvements, said Tom Burbage, one of the Lockheed vice presidents overseeing the program.

But the same incident, which led to the pilot returning to base and making a quick emergency landing, also showed that the aircraft's backup systems had worked as planned.

"You never really get a chance to test your backup systems" in realistic conditions, Burbage said, until something unplanned happens.

F-35 Lightning II - Ninth Test Flight (9)

FILE PHOTO - The F-35 Lightning II During its Ninth Test Flight

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