F-35 testing, acquisition to slow

The Pentagon is slowing testing and acquisition of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said Wednesday during a briefing with reporters in Washington. He said the path has been too aggressive, and there’s an effort underway to lengthen the test period, increase test assets and make the production rate less ambitious. The F-35 will be ready for initial operational capability with the Air Force in 2013, Schwartz said. (Source: Navy Times, 01/21/10) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is scheduled to be home to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter training center.