Aircraft
Procurers Report Better Management of F-35 Program
U.S. government procurement officials issued a “much improved” school report card on the management of the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter program.
F-35A development aircraft AF-1 made the first launch of an AIM-120C5 AMRAAM on June 7. Government officials say that contractor management of the multibillion-dollar stealth fighter program has improved.
F-35A development aircraft AF-1 made the first launch of an AIM-120C5 AMRAAM on June 7. Government officials say that contractor management of the multibillion-dollar stealth fighter program has improved.

U.S. government procurement officials issued a “much improved” school report card on the management of the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter program. Speaking to reporters after the annual conference of customer chief executives in Fort Worth, Frank Kendall, the Pentagon’s under-secretary for acquisition, technology and logistics, said there was “a remarkable change of tone” at the meeting compared with the one he attended a year ago. Lt. Gen. Chris Bogdan, the F-35 program executive officer, noted that both Lockheed Martin and engine maker Pratt & Whitney had made management changes in the meantime. “My [critical] comments were heard…the working relationship is improving…I’m encouraged,” he said.