Significant F-35 problems explained

A really well done summary of significant F-35 problems from one of our readers, Don.

F-35 Prototypes are Combat Capable?

No Way, José

...so just say NO to Marine Corps IOC

by Don Bacon, Better Acquisition Advocate

The US Marine Corps plans to declare initial operational capability (IOC) or "combat capable" on its first operational squadron of 10-16 F-35B prototype aircraft (probably only ten) in July 2015, one year prior to the Air Force and a full three years prior to the Navy. The Marine Corps version of the stealthy Joint Strike Fighter is has the shortest range (75% of the Air Force variant), is heavier than the Air Force plane, has the smallest payload (15,000 lb) of any of the F-35 variants and is the most expensive.
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--Don Bacon, LtCol (ret), B.S.and M.S.in Mechanical Engineering, Army veteran, is a graduate of the DOD project management school with multiple project manager office assignments, who has seen the deleterious effects of the military "can-do" attitude when it overcomes good judgment (and the law) as with the F-35.


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