Lockheed F-35 JSF flight test changes planned

Published: Sep 17, 2007
Source: Flight Global



Streamlined flight testing, coalition buys and an integrated global supply chain for production and sutainment are among initiatives being pursued to keep the Joint Strike Fighter programme on budget and on track as it reaches the mid-point of development.

Two fewer flight-test aircraft and greater reliance on integration laboratories and flying testbeds is being proposed to reduce costs and restore reserves within the budget to handle unforeseen problems later in the development programme.

FILE PHOTO - The F-35 Lightning II During its Ninth Test Flight (9)

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