So, can anybody in the fleet comment on if this is actually going to happen by 2012?
http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=55684
Basically, if you want the highlight, the Honorable Mr.Gates along with the DOD PR department say that the USMC will have "Initial Operational Capability" by 2012 with the F-35B. The report dates from August 31st of 2009.
Now, last time I checked
Aviation Week the F-35B variant was having some airframe problems because of the difficulties inherent in cutting a big hole through load bearing spars for a giant lift fan, in addition to concerns about engine vibration.
http://web02.aviationweek.com/aw/ge...l&headline=F-35B Ready to Begin Stovl Testing
So what is this chatter about?
What is "Initial Operation Capability" entail in any case? Does that mean a unit using the craft that can be deployed? As in "F-35B possibly in theater by 2012"?
Other sources have the vehicle being introduced operationally as late as 2016, not to mention GAO studies that say that all the public schedules are incorrect, by perhaps as much as two years...
Anybody got the inside scoop?
The search function here was of little utility, but never mind, Google tells me that this thread addresses some of my questions:
http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=152106&page=1
If someone has more to add, feel free, as it addresses my questions, but does not really answer them.