The Program basically gave the tall finger to Gilmore’s assessment (from latest DOT&E report) of what was possible.

Completing the full set of Block 3F WDA events by May 2017, the planned end of Block 3F flight test according to the most recent program schedule, will require an accomplishment rate of over 3 events per month, more than 3 times the rate observed in completing the 12 Block 2B WDA events (approximately 0.8 events per month). Extending by two months to the end of July 2017, as has recently been briefed by the Program Office as the end of SDD flight test, is still unrealistic. Unless the accomplishment rate increases over the rate during the Block 2B testing period, completing all Block 3F WDA events will not occur until November 2021.

Thanks to Dragon029 for bringing it up.

With the advent of CNC machining… “Common” and “Cousin” are virtually the same.

So that’s:
F-35A = 80.2% C&C
F-35B = 67.4% C&C
F-35C = 56.9% C&C

Considering that the F-35A makes up the VAST majority of the buys, it’s 80.2% C&C helps a lot followed by the F-35B’s 67.4 C&C helps too.

They did.

The F-35A & C share most of the same structure (it’s the same titanium)
The F-35A & B share the same wing (but uses aluminium bulkheads)
They all share virtually the same engine
They all share the same avionics suite (even the same software load)

[ATTACH=CONFIG]247714[/ATTACH]

It’s already been reported that F-35s are wearing out the wire faster than usual due to hitting the same wire.. over and over again.

Carrier Onboard Delivery :eagerness:

The USN has the newest fleet, ie Superhornts, that can pick up the slack. The USAF and USMC have nothing to fall back on.

Looks like testing is done…

http://aviationweek.com/awindefense/lightweight-tests-f-35-ejection-seats-completed

Lightweight Tests Of F-35 Ejection Seats Completed

Martin-Baker has completed testing of its F-35 escape system with lightweight dummies, and told a top U.S. Air Force official last month that a fixes designed to mitigate risk to the lightest fighter pilots are performing …

If you have a sub, you can get more.

Pure fantasy! …..

A 60 second internet search shows that Mr Sweet is a general reporter, not an aviation specialist, and has worked for that newspaper for close to four decades.

I was obviously joking 😎

btw, A judge just ruled against Burlington in their lawsuit.

A federal judge in Burlington has ruled that an environmental impact statement completed by the U.S. Air Force about basing F-35 fighter jets in Vermont complies with standards set by the National Environmental Policy Act, clearing the way for the planes’ arrival in 2019.

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/2016/08/10/federal-judge-clears-way-f-35-basing/88535978/