Air Force Trains on F-35s With Balky Radar, Limited Views
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Lockheed Martin Corp. F-35 fighters being used for training at a Florida Air Force base have radar that functions intermittently, a helmet displaying flickering images, limited cockpit visibility and prohibitions on flying at night or in bad weather, according to the Pentagon’s chief weapons tester.
A 47-page report by Pentagon tester Michael Gilmore provides a snapshot of improvements needed before the aircraft can be declared effective and reliable for combat and suitable for full production, a multi-billion-dollar decision for Lockheed, the world’s largest defense contractor.