Posted on 01/29/2011 9:30:39 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
The United States is happy with the overall state of Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 fighter program, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Thursday after the Pentagon has twice overhauled the program due to technical and cost worries.
The fifth generation stealth jet is highly complex and has run into delays and massive cost overruns. Eight countries are partnering with the United States to develop the F-35 at a total cost of $382 billion.
Washington has committed to ultimately buying around 2,300 to 2,400 of the planes, which come in three models.
"I'm fairly confident that we are making good progress," Gates told a news conference after talks with Canadian counterpart Peter MacKay.
He said the U.S. Air Force and Navy versions of the plane "are actually progressing quite well ... there don't seem to be any significant technical challenges so I have a lot of confidence in this program".
Gates said earlier this month that the U.S. Marine Corps variant of the plane, which offers short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities, had been been put on a two-year "probation" to sort out technical challenges.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
So, it seems drug usage is pervasive in the senior levels of the military.
So, it seems drug usage is pervasive in the senior levels of the military.
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They caught the habit while making frequent trips to the Hill. The resident pols love to share...
A project that is 6 years behind schedule, tens of billions in the hole, and unit prices steadily heading out of sight.....Gates is an absolute idiot in need of frakin retirement. =.=
You are a broken record.
I see how you answered the question....
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