It may not be accurate to compare the SH w/c is built using existing Gen4 technology, upddated of course, to a Gen 5 a/c like the F-22 or F-35 for which new technologies had to be developed in essence from scratch. Logically, it is to be expected that the new jets would take longer to develop.

Rafale is of the same generation as the SH, yet the SH took far less time to develop. The SH actually incorporates some stealth technology in the intakes – but then only applicable in the frontal aspect and when clean (which never really happens operationally.) The F-35 avionics suite is based upon technology developed in the SH program. The interesting parts of the F-35 program are the integration of avionics systems and the new materials used to make the skins. The current delays in the JSF program stem from complexity of the -B propulsion system, and the software used to fuse the sensors. Gates was smart to decouple the -B from the CTOL versions which should accelerate flight testing to some degree, although it will not reach the level planned last year.

India may enter the F-35 program

Carter sees no problem with India joining the F-35 program.

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=5548948&c=AME&s=AIR

dont agree about urgent fury, and we just gonna have to disagree on that. As far as Marine air capable of being independent from the Navy, its something to consider, but I think it may be an unafforable option. Again, we’re getting into the question of the Marines being, basicaly, independent of not only their parent service, but the Air Force and Army as well. I feel that is an unrealistic situation (especialy when it totaly depends on a single aircraft) given the current fiscal situation the US is in.

Unaffordable and redundant. The Marines’ desire to have their own navy and air force – and operate independently – is a model that is probably going to be going away. Rather you will see more integrated task forces instead of separate CSG’s and ARG’s.

More on the F-35 / F-135 screech issue

Two engines from the SDD aircraft have been kit-modified so far, with preliminary results looking good. Production configuration F135’s will be validated this year.

http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/01/19/f135-beset-by-screech-fix-found/

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/awst/2011/01/03/AW_01_03_2011_p22-279507.xml&headline=null&next=10

“Nose wander in transonic maneuvers has been tackled with changes to control-surface scheduling and air-data calibration, and updated flight-control software was released at the end of the year. This is expected to also correct discrepancies between predicted and measured sideslip angles and control-surface loads. Engines with design changes to reduce screech and allow use of full augmentor are being installed.”

Gen. Amos is taking personal responsibility to get the F-35B back on track, and LM wants to show that they can get it done. This is probably why we are seeing a burst of test flights coming out of Pax recently. Gen. Amos was quoted in a AW article dated 17JAN that the problems with the F-35B “will soon be resolved.” He added, “None of the current known issues are considered to be showstoppers.” His viewpoint contrasts with the OT&E’s 2010 report out last week, which outlined substantial issues with various aircraft systems. However, Amos stated the problems found in STOVL have had corrective actions incorporated, or “are being proactively analyzed and will soon be resolved.”

Make you wonder why two years are necessary to get the -B back on track – or it could be that appropriation hearings are coming up shortly…

Source: AWST/Bruno 17JAN11, print ed. (might be online)

Well, when credibility is the issue, actions speak louder than words.. the successful series of tests is a positive indicator that the B is making progress. This is in addition to reports that the cracked bulkhead problem has been resolved with apparently little weight impact, ditto for the engine screech issue, etc. things are looking up for the STOVL jet. It isn’t out of the woods yet but these should be reasons for optimism and not excuses to take potshots at the program.

I didn’t know they resolved the afterburner screech problem – can you provide a source?

I think you’d find folks taking you more seriously, if you’d say it has flown M1.3, rather than it can fly M1.3.

From the report released last week:

“Determine the impact of resolution of known critical technical issues, including Helmet Mounted Display, STOVL mechanization, handling characteristics, and afterburner “screech” on plans for flight test and fielding capability.”

It could be that they have decided to limit speed to 1.3 mach until the the F135 afterburner situation is resolved. It’s unclear what version(s) are affected by the problem.