Lockheed’s F35-Fighter Jet No Longer On Schedule For Delivery Per Pentagon

Hi-Tech Silvia Meyer
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Michael Gilmore, director of testing for the Pentagon, write recently that the next incarnation of the F35-fighter jet is likely not going to make it’s 2018 deadline for release. The developer Lockheed is working on the plane at a cost of over $1-trillion.

Gilmore also released the statement that contrary to what the Air Force claimed, the plane will not be combat-ready when it is released. It would still need supporting aid from older air craft due to its performance deficiencies. Most major issues with the plane so far involve software issues that are coming to light one by one.

In a correspondence, Gilmore also wrote that the software currently being modified by Lockheed needs to be seamlessly integrated with not only the new generation F35 fighter jet, but also enable it to work alongside other fighter jets. Older models of jets are able to communicate with one another and work in tandem on missions. The new jet should have that capability, however, it is having problems with software that would allow it. Right now the software interferes with identifying targets, has issues with radar signal detection and disables communications between other aircraft.

Representatives of the development company Lockheed stated that the issues are well-known by the team building the jet and are being prioritized. They also stated that development was on track for 2017 although they added that the plane would continue through further development beyond that deadline.

The F35-fighter jet has been controversial mainly because of its huge price tag for creation. The program got underway to create it in 2010. The plane, though high-cost, has been described as much more difficult to maneuver than older fighter jets. This could pose an issue if it is deficient upon release considering its high cost.