There is definitely a limit, but since there isn't another comparable aircraft for a similar price...pretty much.
comparable? Just what do you have... to compare? Again, as I'm aware, actual program testing is at about the 20% level. When I pointed this out to MLW member 'Derek L', he pretty much shrugged it off and offered up a blinding trust of the "Military Industrial Complex"!
when you read the latest damning 2011 annual report of the
U.S. DOT&E... again... just what do you have to compare?
Operational Assessment
• The JSF Operational Test Team completed an operational assessment of the F-35 program and determined that it is not on track to meet operational effectiveness or operational suitability requirements. The JSF Operational Test Team assessed the program based on measured and predicted performance against requirements from the JSF Operational Requirements Document, which was re-validated in 2009.
• The primary operational effectiveness deficiencies include poor performance in the human systems integration (e.g. helmet-mounted display, night vision capability) and aircraft handling characteristics, as well as shortfalls in maneuvering performance (e.g. F-35A combat radius, which is a KPP, and F-35C acceleration).
• The driving operational suitability deficiencies include an inadequate Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) for deployed operations, excessive time for low observable maintenance repair and restoration capability, low reliability and poor maintainability performance, and deficient crypto key management and interface compatibility.
• The assessment was completed prior to release of an updated program integrated master schedule. While additional time and resources in development may aid the program in resolving some deficiencies, several requirements are not going to be met given current, known program plans. After the new master schedule is available, along with documentation of the application of the additional resources applied to SDD plans, an updated operational assessment may be provided.