U.S. budget watchdog reveals doubts about F-35 design

While the election debate rages on over the skyrocketing costs of Canada’s F-35 fighter jet purchase, a new report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office prompts questions about the stability of the joint strike fighter program. The report by the U.S. budget watchdog shows that the purchase price for the high-tech fighter bombers designed by Lockheed Martin are substantially higher than what the Harper government has projected, and fundamental questions about the actual functionality of the jets still remain. “After more than nine years in development and four in production, the program has not fully demonstrated that the aircraft design is stable, manufacturing processes are mature, and the system is reliable,” said the report, which goes on to say that as many as 10,000 design changes might be made between now and 2016, the year that Canada will sign the final contract for the purchase.

Canadian Press