Earlier quoted context omitted.
>What could explain this sales pipeline, if the F-35 was the boondoggle this article implies it to be? A lack of actual proven fight-testing.
But it did the most extensive flight test program for anything in history [0]. I worked on this program for years. I do not think a lack of flight testing is the problem. The problems are many, but in short: 1) Lack of competent, forceful oversight from the program office. DOT&E reports about the F-35 program have, for years, given the program office recommendations that it has failed to follow. 2) A prime contractor…
I meant, tested in actual combat against real adversaries, not test teams, but you've pointed out there are worse issues at stake.