F-35 Software Testing Slowed by Flight Restrictions

Flight restrictions on Lockheed Martin Corp.’s F-35 are hampering the Pentagon’s ability to conduct the software tests the plane must pass before it can be declared combat-ready by next July, according to the Pentagon’s weapons-testing office.

The start of rigorous in-flight testing on the initial software for the Marine Corps version of the fighter is already five months late, and may be further delayed by the flight restrictions imposed on the 20 test aircraft and 79 training jets after an engine fire on an Air Force F-35 on June 23.