F-35 cost up dramatically

The projected cost of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has increased 60 to 90 percent in real terms since 2001, well past a level requiring the program to be revamped, Pentagon officials said Thursday. The estimated price of each F-35 jumped to $80 million to $95 million, as measured in 2002 dollars, from $50 million when Lockheed Martin was awarded the contract in 2001. (Source: New York Times, 03/11/10). Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is slated to be the location for the Joint Strike Fighter Training School. More than 100 of the initial cadre at 33rd Fighter Wing have arrived, said Ashley Wright, a spokeswoman for Eglin. Training is still expected to begin this year. However, that training could be on simulators only. (Source: Northwest Florida Daily News, 03/12/10)