Chris Pocock has been covering the defense beat for AIN for over 30&nbsp;years. He is a British citizen and a graduate of the University of Cambridge. Chris worked in the air cargo business for ten years before becoming a full-time writer in 1983. He subsequently edited two air cargo journals before becoming AIN’s Defense Editor. He retired from that position in 2018, but still contributes to the publication. Chris has written extensively on aerial reconnaissance, including four books on the history of the U-2 spyplane. He also lectures on this and other topics related to intelligence-gathering in the Cold War.

Defense Correspondent

Chris Pocock

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) will cost much more than currently predicted, and the expected cost per flight hour already exceeds that of the F-16, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). In its latest annual report to Congress on the JSF, the GAO said cost and schedule pressures are mounting, and the development schedule “is likely to slip from 12 to 27 months.” The GAO did report progress in “several important areas,” but still repeated its previous view that production of the JSF is being ramped up too soon. In a 
<link www.ainonline.com>previous story on the F-35 program, it was reported that Lockheed Martin and key manufacturing partners BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman were striving to drive down production cost. But the GAO recently said Lockheed Martin adjusted the manufacturing schedule three times because of design changes, delayed parts deliveries and “manufacturing inefficiencies.” According to the GAO, the first test aircraft required 35 percent more labor hours (65,000 more manhours) to build than planned. This contradicts briefings that the program partners have given to the media, including AIN. Lockheed Martin and the F-35 program office in the Pentagon are preparing a new acquisition cost estimate, “which is expected to be much larger than what is now budgeted,” the GAO said.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

F-35 Costs are Rising, says GAO

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter will cost much more than currently predicted, and the expected cost per flight hour already exceeds that of the F-16.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Manufacturer expects to deliver first aircraft for trial operations in the UAE in coming weeks

Archer Expands eVTOL Launch Edition Program to Indonesia

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

All Nippon Airways is Japan’s first E2 customer

ANA Formalizes Plans to Add Embraer E190-E2s to Fleet

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Production site to open 2026

JetZero to Build Z4 Factory in North Carolina

More than 40 airframes invested in already

De Havilland Canada Advances Dash 8 Refurbishment Program

Refurb deal supports fleet growth

Skyward Express Adds Refurbished Dash 8 From DHC

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

More In Aircraft

Archer Expands eVTOL Launch Edition Program to Indonesia

Manufacturer expects to deliver first aircraft for trial operations in the UAE in coming weeks

ANA Formalizes Plans to Add Embraer E190-E2s to Fleet

All Nippon Airways is Japan’s first E2 customer

JetZero to Build Z4 Factory in North Carolina

Production site to open 2026

De Havilland Canada Advances Dash 8 Refurbishment Program

More than 40 airframes invested in already

Skyward Express Adds Refurbished Dash 8 From DHC

Refurb deal supports fleet growth

Textron Aviation Secures First SkyCourier Order from Africa

Company also displaying latest special-mission King Air at Paris Air Show

Eve Air Mobility Scores Firm Order for 50 eVTOLs with Brazil's Revo at Paris Air Show

Revo is an established urban air mobility using helicopters in Brazil.

Gulfstream Delivers Milestone 300th G280

Super-midsize bizjet made its debut in 2012

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