In response to Mr Jolley's comments about the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) (Flight International, 3-9 February), I agree that "fly before buy" should bring large benefits to the purchaser. However, in the case of the JSF, it seems neither contender demonstrated transition between vertical and horizontal flight with an aircraft capable of internal weapons carriage. In view of the Boeing/ General Dynamics A-12 difficulties, this is a key technical risk.
Since each bidder would have submitted detailed proposals of the proposed production configuration, together with a list of foreseen technical risks, I conclude the bid evaluation fell short of the standards that the taxpayer has a right to expect. This in turn leads me to question whether the performance, durability, reliability, survivability and cost of the F-35B's complex lift system have been adequately validated.
The Eurofighter Typhoon also had a flying demonstrator, funded to mitigate risk, yet it shows every sign of having been redesigned 10 times over. In relation to the suggestions of Messrs Linden and Spencer in the same issue, I think there are real questions to be answered on what the aircraft carriers and strike fighters are meant to do. Since the global costs of these projects will far exceed the sticker price, we should take a prudent view of what the UK can afford.
Richard Lloyd Coventry, Warwickshire, UK
Source: Flight International
