I sure hope that's not the major factor in the decision.
But, IMHO, the Lockheed does have an advantage in the cool looking plane category.
I sure hope that's not the major factor in the decision.
But, IMHO, the Lockheed does have an advantage in the cool looking plane category.
A critical factor in the decision is that the LM plane flew the test criteria while Boeing had to modify the plane between trials. One version of the Boeing plane could fly at supersonic speed, then they had to remove the inlet cowling to do the vertical landing. Lockheed Martin's plane did it all in one flight. Right now we need the best design, and we do not have time to monkey around with the contract. Boeing has even suggested that the specification be revised to eliminate the short take off and vertical landing requirement. How can they get away with this.