Joint Strike Fighter 'a tough task'

Source URL: http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/joint-strike-fighter-a-tough-task/20073922-ury.html
Posted at: http://www.air-attack/com/news/news_article/2643

An executive of the company building Australia's hi-tech F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) says the project has thrown up challenges similar to competing in a triathlon.

Tom Burbage, general manager of program integration for the JSF at Lockheed Martin in the United States, said the project was behind schedule and working through difficulties, but continuing to gain ground.

The federal government signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States last December to further Australia's commitment to developing the JSF, which will allow the RAAF to retire a squadron of ageing F/A-18 Hornet fighters.

But there have been concerns the multi-billion dollar JSF project may not be delivered on time, as it is now three months behind schedule, and could cost far more than originally planned.

Australia, which is one of eight countries to commit to the project, has pledged to buy 100 of the combat aircraft worth up to $16 billion.

---

Print this page

Visit Air-Attack.com for more military aviation and defense industry news