“How in the hell do you lose an F-35?”
By Michael MarrowHouse appropriators do give money to the AETP program in their draft of fiscal 2024’s defense appropriations bill, but another lawmaker says that it’s just a “backup” and for research purposes.
By Michael Marrow“I’m going to advocate, and I do advocate, for [the Adaptive Engine Transition Program, or AETP],” said Lockheed Martin aeronautics chief Greg Ulmer, who labeled “some” current approaches to the fighter’s engine modernization as “short-sighted.”
By Michael MarrowA Pratt executive pushed back on a Government Accountability Office report that warned of production delays due to an inventory of engines being cleared out, and stated the company’s engine upgrade for the Joint Strike Fighter can support the jet’s needs through Block 4.
By Michael MarrowAsked whether the Air Force would be willing to try again on pursuing an adaptive engine if Congress provided more funding, service Secretary Frank Kendall said, “No, we’ve made our decision.”
By Michael Marrow“I don’t want to loop along spending [research and development] money on a program that we either can’t afford or we’re just not going to get agreement on among all the different services,” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said of the AETP program.
By Valerie InsinnaGeneral Electric could find itself in a contest with incumbent Pratt & Whitney for a replacement for the F-35’s engine.
By Valerie Insinna