F-35 early performance praised

Initial feedback about the F-35 from Air Force pilots and maintainers at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., indicate it performs better than its predecessors did at a similar stage of development. The F-35 is proving to be relatively stable from a maintenance standpoint, said Col Andrew Toth, commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing. In the air there are "very limited" issues. The aircraft's hardware, software and Pratt & Whitney F135 engine all perform well, he said. (Source: Flightglobal, 11/06/12)