[Yo-Yo]

Yes the engine fan blade rubbing was a temporary setback, but what is holding back the F-35 from IOC with the Marine Corps is the completion of software block 2B, while the USAF needs Block 3I, and Navy is waiting until block 3F. It's the software that is the limiting factor.

From Lockheed Martin: https://www.f35.com/about/life-cycle/software

Full report that specifies Block 3F for Navy IOC: https://www.f35.com/assets/uploads/downloads/12994/f-35_ioc_joint_report_final.pdf

The Chinese can build an airframe that more or less copies the F-35. They cannot and will not build an aircraft with comparable avionics and software, and certainly not faster than Lockheed Martin can.

[GBA]

Thanks for the info. Good to see how little things change as the beast gets bigger.

You're right about the Chinese, of course, especially with regard to programming the hardware they can now build.

However, consider what they can now build and apply the methodology behind their success to software. What sized window of advantage are you looking at, rhetorically speaking.

I keep my fingers crossed for US, but this is no way to run a country. More like how great countries decline and fall...and others take their place.